chief
chief Lexical Profile
chief Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Most important, principal, or main among several factors, reasons, or elements.
"The chief reason for the project's success was the team's clear communication."
Having the highest rank, title, or authority in an office, profession, or organization.
"The hospital appointed a new chief surgeon to oversee the surgical department."
• noun
The head or highest-ranking officer of an organization, department, or public service agency.
"The fire chief coordinated the emergency response across all city districts."
A leader or ruler of a people, tribe, or clan.
"The tribal chief welcomed the visiting delegation to the council meeting."
The upper horizontal third of a heraldic shield or coat of arms.
"The family's coat of arms featured three silver stars arranged across a blue chief."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused in spelling with 'chef', which shares the same French origin; 'chief' refers to a general leader or the most important thing, whereas 'chef' specifically denotes a professional cook.
• Rhymes for chief
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'chief' (meaning 'head' or 'leader'), which derived from Vulgar Latin 'capum' and Classical Latin 'caput' ('head').