chief

Everyday

1. The leader or head of a group, such as a tribe, organisation or police force (the fire chief). tree →
2. Most important; main (the chief reason). tree →
3. Highest in rank (chief executive, chief inspector). tree →
4. (informal) A friendly word for a man, like «mate» or «boss» (Alright, chief?). tree →

In the lessons

In history and stories: the chief of a tribe or clan. In everyday life: police chief, chief of staff, head chef. In formal writing: «the chief cause of the problem». Phrases: commander-in-chief, editor-in-chief, chief among.

Examples

• The chief of the village welcomed us. tree →
• The fire chief told everyone to leave the building. tree →
• Our chief worry is the weather. tree →
• She is the chief executive of a big company. tree →
• Rain was the chief reason we stayed inside. tree →
• Cheers, chief! (informal) tree →
• “Stay with us, Chief,” Caelte begged. tree →

Note

Spelling: i before e (chief). Plural: chiefs (not chieves). As an adjective it comes before the noun: the chief problem. Adverb: chiefly (mainly).

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it usually means a clan leader or tribal head, such as the chiefs of Edom. It also appears in titles like "chief butler." In Chronicles it also means the head of a Levite family, such as Shebuel the chief. In the primary lessons: In history and stories: the chief of a tribe or clan. In everyday life: police chief, chief of staff, head chef. In formal writing: «the chief cause of the problem». Phrases: commander-in-chief, editor-in-chief, chief among.

Examples

• the chief of Magdiel, the chief of Iram. (Torah GEN.36.43, JPS 1917) tree →
• Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgot him. (Torah GEN.40.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• the chief of Korah, the chief of Gatam, the chief of Amalek. (Torah GEN.36.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• These are the chiefs of Edom. (Writings 1CH.1.54, JPS 1917) tree →
• The sons of Gershom: Shebuel the chief. (Writings 1CH.23.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief. (Writings 1CH.23.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling: i before e (chief). Plural: chiefs (not chieves). As an adjective it comes before the noun: the chief problem. Adverb: chiefly (mainly).