What is chief? Pronunciation and usage in English

chief means . Learn how to pronounce and use chief through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of chief

chiefnoun

/tʃiːf/
Definition & pronunciation of chief

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "chief" in English. It's a tricky one because it sounds different depending on where you are! Here's a breakdown of the two main pronunciations:

1. American English (most common):

  • Pronunciation: /tʃiːf/ (pronounced "chee-eff")
  • Breakdown:
    • "chi": Sounds like the "chi" in "cheese"
    • "ef": Sounds like "eff" (as in "effulgent")

2. British English (particularly in the UK):

  • Pronunciation: /ʃiːf/ (pronounced "sheef")
  • Breakdown:
    • "sh": Sounds like the "sh" in “shoe”
    • "ef": Sounds like "eff"

Here's a quick way to tell the difference:

  • If you hear a "chee" sound, it's American.
  • If you hear a "shee" sound, it's British.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me tailor the pronunciation even more, could you tell me:

  • Where are you primarily hearing this word? (e.g., in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word chief in English

Let's break down how to use the word "chief" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and usages! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. As a Title of Rank/Position (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. "Chief" indicates a high-ranking person in an organization, often a leader.
  • Examples:
    • "The chief executive officer (CEO) of the company is responsible for its overall strategy."
    • "She’s the chief of police for our city."
    • "He was appointed as the chief medical officer during the pandemic."
    • "The chief engineer oversaw the construction of the bridge."
  • Variations: Often paired with a specific title: Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer (often abbreviated as CFO, COO, CTO).

2. As a General Leader or Head (informal)

  • Meaning: Used to describe someone who is in charge or leading a group, not necessarily a formal title. It’s a more casual term.
  • Examples:
    • "He's the chief organizer of the volunteer group." (He's the main person in charge.)
    • "She’s the chief negotiator in the peace talks." (She's the primary person leading the negotiations.)
    • "He was the chief instigator of the whole project." (He was the driving force.)

3. Referring to an Indigenous Tribe Leader

  • Meaning: Historically and still relevant today, "chief" refers to the leader of an Indigenous tribe or nation. This usage is important to acknowledge and respect. It's often used with sensitivity and a recognition of the leader's cultural significance.
  • Examples:
    • "The chief addressed the council about the upcoming harvest." (Referring to a Native American tribal leader)
    • "The chief's decision will greatly impact the tribe’s future." (Again, referring to a Native American leader)
    • Important Note: When using this term, be mindful of the specific tribe and their traditional terminology. "Chief" might not be the appropriate word for every Indigenous leader. Research and respect the cultural norms.

4. As a Simple Word Meaning “Most Important” or “Principal” (Less Common)

  • Meaning: Used to indicate the most significant or main thing. This usage is rarer and generally more literary.
  • Examples:
    • "His chief concern was the safety of his family." (His most important concern.)
    • "The chief purpose of the meeting was to discuss the budget." (The main purpose.)

5. “Chief” as a Verb (Rare)

  • Meaning: To lead or head something.
  • Example: "He chiefed the team to success." (He led the team to success.) – This usage is fairly uncommon.

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "chief" depends entirely on the context of the sentence.
  • Formality: Using "chief" as a title (CEO, CFO, etc.) is formal. Using it as a general leader is informal.
  • Sensitivity with Indigenous Usage: Always be respectful and aware of the historical and cultural significance of the word “chief” when referring to Indigenous leaders. When possible, use more specific terms (e.g., "tribal leader," "nation leader," or the specific title used by that community).

Resources for Further Research:

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  • What are you trying to use "chief" in? (e.g., a sentence, a story, a presentation?)
  • What is the context of the situation? (e.g., business, tribal affairs, general conversation?)

Synonyms for the word chief

Practice with vocabulary chief

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The ______ complaint from the employees was about the lack of communication.
  2. She was promoted to the ______ financial officer position last month.
  3. The ______ reason for the delay was the unexpected weather conditions.
  4. He was appointed as the ______ executive of the organization.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What is the synonym of "principal" in this context: "The ______ aim of the project was to improve efficiency."
    a) main b) minor c) chief d) secondary

  2. Which word best fits the sentence: "The ______ engineer provided the final approval for the design."
    a) senior b) chief c) primary d) subordinate

  3. In the sentence "The ______ concern was safety," which word(s) could replace "chief"?
    a) main b) chief c) last d) trivial

  4. What word best describes the top leader of a company?
    a) manager b) chief c) assistant d) intern

  5. Which word does NOT fit the sentence: "The ______ cause of the problem was unclear."
    a) chief b) primary c) minor d) main

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the budget.
    Rewrite: The ______ objective of the meeting was to discuss the budget.

  2. Original: He is the head of the marketing department.
    Rewrite: He is the ______ of the marketing department.

  3. Original: The primary reason for the change was customer feedback.
    Rewrite: The principal reason for the change was customer feedback.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. chief
  2. chief
  3. main
  4. CEO

Exercise 2:

  1. a) main, c) chief
  2. b) chief
  3. a) main, b) chief
  4. b) chief
  5. c) minor

Exercise 3:

  1. The chief objective of the meeting was to discuss the budget.
  2. He is the chief of the marketing department.
  3. The principal reason for the change was customer feedback.

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