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Cheif vs. Chief: Mastering the Correct Spelling

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 14, 2024
"Cheif" is an incorrect spelling, while "Chief" is the correct form, denoting a leader or principal figure.

Which is correct: Cheif or Chief

How to spell Chief?

Cheif is Incorrect

Chief is Correct

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Key Differences

Remember "i before e except after c"; in this case, it's after, so it's "Chief".
Consider "fief", where "ie" also appears in the middle.
Visualize a chief's headdress, emphasizing the "ie" in the middle.
Think of the word "achieve" where "i" comes before "e", but "Chief" is the opposite.
Relate "Chief" to "Leader"; both end in "er".
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Correct usage of Chief

He mistakenly wrote "cheif" instead of "chief" in his report.
He mistakenly wrote "chief" instead of "chief" in his report.
The tribe's cheif is respected by everyone in the community.
The tribe's chief is respected by everyone in the community.
The cheif executive officer will address the company later.
The chief executive officer will address the company later.
The cheif concern among the residents was safety.
The chief concern among the residents was safety.
She was promoted to cheif financial officer last month.
She was promoted to chief financial officer last month.

Chief Definitions

The highest-ranking person or leader in a group.
The chief of the tribe made a decision.
A leader or ruler of a people or clan.
The village chief welcomed the guests.
One who is highest in rank or authority; a leader.
A chief petty officer.
(Nautical) The chief engineer of a ship.
(Slang) A supervisor; a boss.
(Heraldry) The upper section of a shield.
Highest in rank, authority, or office
The chief scientist in the lab.
Most important or influential
The chief ingredients in the stew. See Usage Note at absolute.
A leader or head of a group of people, organisation, etc.
All firefighters report to the fire chief.
(heraldry) The top part of a shield or escutcheon; more specifically, an ordinary consisting of the upper part of the field cut off by a horizontal line, generally occupying the top third.
The principal part or top of anything.
An informal term of address.
An informal term of address for a Native American or First Nations man.
Primary; principal.
Negligence was the chief cause of the disaster.
(Scotland) Intimate, friendly.
To smoke cannabis.
The head or leader of any body of men; a commander, as of an army; a head man, as of a tribe, clan, or family; a person in authority who directs the work of others; the principal actor or agent.
The principal part; the most valuable portion.
The chief of the things which should be utterly destroyed.
The upper third part of the field. It is supposed to be composed of the dexter, sinister, and middle chiefs.
Highest in office or rank; principal; head.
Principal or most eminent in any quality or action; most distinguished; having most influence; taking the lead; most important; as, the chief topic of conversation; the chief interest of man.
Very intimate, near, or close.
A whisperer separateth chief friends.
A person who is in charge;
The head of the whole operation
A person who exercises control over workers;
If you want to leave early you have to ask the foreman
Most important element;
The chief aim of living
The main doors were of solid glass
The principal rivers of America
The principal example
Policemen were primary targets
The main or primary part of something.
Safety is our chief concern.
The head of a professional group or division.
She was appointed the chief accountant.
Preeminent above others, principal.
This is the chief reason behind the decision.

Chief Sentences

His chief joy comes from spending time with his family.
The chief justice of the Supreme Court delivered the final verdict.
Her chief complaint was the lack of communication from the team.
The chief architect will present the design tomorrow.
The chief of police announced a new initiative to combat crime.
She consulted with the chief engineer about the bridge construction.
The chief concern for investors is the potential for market volatility.
The company's chief executive has a vision for sustainable growth.
The village chief welcomed the visitors personally.
Our chief priority is the safety of our employees.
The chief reason for the delay was bad weather.
The chief benefit of the program is its flexibility.
The chief obstacle to progress was a lack of funds.
As the team's chief strategist, he plans their plays meticulously.
The chief aim of the legislation is to protect endangered species.
The chief advantage of using this software is its user-friendly interface.
He acts as the chief mediator during disputes.
Their chief competitor released a similar product last week.
Her chief accomplishment was founding a successful charity.
The chief qualities of a good leader include integrity and empathy.
The book's chief theme is the struggle for justice.
The committee's chief task is to review all proposals.

Chief Idioms & Phrases

Chief among

Most important among a group of things or people.
Chief among the issues discussed was climate change.

In chief

As the most important part or element.
His strength, in chief, is his ability to communicate effectively.

Chief cook and bottle washer

Someone who is responsible for a wide range of duties.
As a small business owner, I'm the chief cook and bottle washer.

Chief of staff

The senior staff officer of a service or command.
The general's chief of staff is responsible for daily operations.

FAQs

Why is it called Chief?

"Chief" is derived from Old French "chief", meaning "leader" or "principal", denoting rank or supremacy.

What is the verb form of Chief?

Chief is primarily a noun, and there isn't a standard verb form like "to chief".

What is the singular form of Chief?

The singular form is "Chief."

What is the root word of Chief?

The root is Old French "chief".

What is the plural form of Chief?

The plural form is "Chiefs."

Which conjunction is used with Chief?

There's no specific conjunction exclusive to "Chief"; it depends on the sentence's context.

Is Chief an adverb?

No, Chief is not an adverb.

Is Chief an abstract noun?

No, Chief is a concrete noun when referring to a person, but can be abstract when indicating importance.

Which preposition is used with Chief?

Prepositions like "of" or "among" can be used, as in "chief of staff" or "chief among them."

What is the pronunciation of Chief?

It is pronounced as /ʧif/.

Which vowel is used before Chief?

The vowel "i" comes before the "e" in "Chief."

Is the word Chief imperative?

No, "Chief" is not used in the imperative mood.

Is Chief a collective noun?

No, Chief is not a collective noun.

Is the Chief term a metaphor?

Not inherently, but it can be used metaphorically.

How many syllables are in Chief?

There is one syllable in "Chief."

What is a stressed syllable in Chief?

The entire word "Chief" is stressed as it's a single syllable.

Is Chief a negative or positive word?

Chief is neutral; its connotation depends on the context.

What is the first form of Chief?

As it's primarily a noun, "Chief" doesn't have verb forms like first, second, or third.

Is Chief a vowel or consonant?

"Chief" is a word, not a vowel or consonant.

How do we divide Chief into syllables?

It's a single-syllable word and isn't divided.

How is Chief used in a sentence?

Chief can be used as: "She is the chief executive officer of the company."

Which article is used with Chief?

Both "a" and "the" can be used with "Chief" based on context.

Is Chief a noun or adjective?

"Chief" can serve as both a noun and an adjective.

Is Chief a countable noun?

Yes, e.g., "There are several chiefs in the federation."

What part of speech is Chief?

Chief can be a noun or an adjective.

What is another term for Chief?

Another term can be "leader" or "head."

What is the third form of Chief?

Same as above; "Chief" doesn't have traditional verb forms.

What is the opposite of Chief?

The opposite can be "subordinate" or "underling."

Which determiner is used with Chief?

Determiners like "this", "that", "his", "her", and "the" can be used with "Chief."

What is the second form of Chief?

Same as above; "Chief" doesn't have traditional verb forms.
About Author
Written by
Janet White
Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie Carlson
Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.

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