# A Multi-Axial Mindset for Ontology Design Lessons from Wikidata's Polyhierarchical Structure

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.12260 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.12260/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 1 of its 12 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 13 Dec 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Disjointness Violations in Wikidata](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.13707/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Traditional ontology design emphasizes disjoint and exhaustive top-level distinctions such as continuant vs. occurrent, abstract vs. concrete, or type vs. instance. These distinctions are used to structure unified hierarchies where every entity is classified under a single upper-level category. Wikidata, by contrast, does not enforce a singular foundational taxonomy. Instead, it accommodates multiple classification axes simultaneously under the shared root class entity. This paper analyzes the structural implications of Wikidata's polyhierarchical and multi-axial design. The Wikidata architecture enables a scalable and modular approach to ontology construction, especially suited to collaborative and evolving knowledge graphs.