Chiefs
tʃiːfs
Definitions
2 meaningsA person in charge; the head of a group or organization.
tʃiːfs
A person with the highest rank or authority.
The chiefs of the company made the final decision.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and the person who makes all the decisions and tells everyone what to do is the chief. Like the captain of a team!
👶 For kids: The boss of a group or team! They are in charge.
More Examples
The village chiefs gathered to discuss the issues of the community.
The team chiefs were responsible for the player's well-being
How It's Used
"The tribal chiefs met to discuss the peace treaty."
"The team's chiefs gathered for the playoffs"
Highest in rank or authority; most important or principal.
tʃiːfs
Most important; principal.
The chief goal of the project was to reduce costs.
💡 Simply: If you're making a cake and the most important ingredient is chocolate, you could say chocolate is the chief ingredient. It's the main thing!
👶 For kids: The most important or biggest thing.
More Examples
His chief concern was the safety of his family.
The chief advantage of the new system is its efficiency.
How It's Used
"The chief reason for his absence was illness."
"This is the chief operating officer's department"
Idioms & expressions
Chief of Staff
The person responsible for managing the activities of an organization
"The Chief of Staff manages the day-to-day operations for the President."
Commander in Chief
The person who is in charge of an armed force.
"The President is the Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces."
From Old French *chief* ('head'), ultimately from Latin *caput*.
The word 'chief' has been used to denote leadership and importance for centuries, evolving from its origins in describing the head of a group.
Memory tip
Think of the 'head' person. They are in charge like a 'chief'.