How Do You Spell CHIEF?

Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈiːf] (IPA)

The word "chief" is spelled with the letters C-H-I-E-F. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /tʃiːf/. The sound represented by the letter "C" is that of a voiceless postalveolar affricate, /tʃ/. This sound blends into the long vowel sound represented by the letter "I", /iː/. Finally, the letters "E" and "F" represent a diphthong and a voiceless labiodental fricative sound, respectively. Together, they create the distinctive sound of the word "chief".

CHIEF Meaning and Definition

  1. Chief can be used as a noun or adjective, referring to a person who holds the highest position or has the highest authority within a particular organization, company, or group. As a noun, it commonly denotes a leader, head, or superior. For instance, a chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive in a corporation, responsible for making major decisions and managing the overall operations of the company. In a more general sense, a chief can refer to a person with significant expertise or skill in a specific field, often considered as an authority or master in their profession.

    In its adjective form, chief describes something of principal or primary importance, utmost significance, or utmost rank within a particular context. It may refer to the most important or primary aspect of a situation or event. For instance, the chief reason for a team's success might be its strong cohesion and teamwork. Additionally, chief can be used to indicate the primary or main part of something, such as the chief ingredient in a recipe. In certain contexts, the term can also convey preeminence or superiority, implying that something or someone is superior or paramount among others in a given category or domain.

    Overall, "chief" conveys a concept of prominence, preeminence, authority, or importance, whether used as a noun to refer to a person in a position of leadership or as an adjective denoting primary significance or superior rank.

  2. • Highest; principal; the most eminent or distinguished; the most important; first.
    • A commander or leader; the head man of a clan, or tribe, or family.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CHIEF *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CHIEF

Etymology of CHIEF

The word "chief" comes from the Old French "chief" or "chef" which means "head" or "leader". It can be traced back to the Latin word "caput" meaning "head". Over time, "chief" evolved to refer to a person of high rank or authority, particularly in a military or administrative context.

Idioms with the word CHIEF

  • in chief The idiom "in chief" is used to indicate that someone holds the highest or most influential position or role within a particular domain or area of responsibility. It typically implies that the person referred to has the ultimate authority or control in that specific role.
  • big white chief The idiom "big white chief" typically refers to a person who holds a position of authority or power, often someone in a leadership role or an influential figure. It can also imply someone who is perceived as being superior or dominant in a particular context. The term "white" in this idiom does not necessarily refer to the person's race, but rather symbolizes the conventional image associated with authority and power.
  • chief cook and bottle washer The idiom "chief cook and bottle washer" refers to a person who has to take on multiple roles and responsibilities, often in a small or understaffed organization or situation. They are responsible for both important tasks (like cooking) and trivial or menial tasks (like washing bottles), thus implying that they have to handle a wide range of duties.
  • be chief cook and bottle washer The idiom "be chief cook and bottle washer" refers to someone who has to perform a wide range of tasks or assume multiple roles, often within a small organization or group, without any assistance or support from others. It implies that a person must take on various responsibilities, from menial tasks to managerial duties, with little or no help.
  • be the chief cook and bottle washer The idiom "be the chief cook and bottle washer" refers to a person who has to perform various tasks and responsibilities, often simultaneously, without receiving much or any assistance. It implies that the individual is responsible for both the managerial and menial tasks, similar to a person who is in charge of cooking and cleaning in a household or small business.
  • chief cook and bottlewasher The idiomatic expression "chief cook and bottlewasher" refers to a person who is responsible for a variety of tasks and responsibilities, both significant and menial, within a certain organization or situation. It signifies someone who performs multiple roles, often going beyond their designated position. This phrase encapsulates the idea of a person having to handle everything, from important tasks to mundane chores, without any support or assistance.

Similar spelling words for CHIEF

Plural form of CHIEF is CHIEFS

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