Difference Between
versus

Cheif vs. Chief: Decoding the Right Spelling

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 18, 2024
"Cheif" is incorrect spelling, while "Chief," meaning a leader or the head of a group or organization, is correct.
Cheif vs. Chief

Which is correct: Cheif or Chief

How to spell Chief?

Cheif is Incorrect

Chief is Correct

How to remember correct spelling of Chief?

Create a mnemonic: "Chiefs Have Incredible, Exceptional Features."
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Visualize the word "chief" as wearing a crown, emphasizing its correct spelling as the 'chief' of words.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Think of "chief" as the 'chief' or leader of words, setting the correct example with 'ie'.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Remember the phrase, “I before E except after C”; "chief" follows this rule.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Associate "chief" with "relief" as both have the same 'ief' ending.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Chief Definitions

The leader or head of a group, organization, or tribe.
The chief of the tribe led the ceremony.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Most important or principal.
Safety is the chief concern during the construction project.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
A title for the head of some departments in organizations or government.
The police chief announced new community safety measures.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
The highest in rank or authority.
The chief executive officer oversees the entire company.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
One who is highest in rank or authority; a leader.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
A chief petty officer.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
(Nautical) The chief engineer of a ship.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
(Slang) A supervisor; a boss.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
(Heraldry) The upper section of a shield.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Highest in rank, authority, or office
The chief scientist in the lab.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Most important or influential
The chief ingredients in the stew. See Usage Note at absolute.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
A leader or head of a group of people, organisation, etc.
All firefighters report to the fire chief.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
(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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
The principal part or top of anything.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
An informal term of address.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
An informal term of address for a Native American or First Nations man.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Primary; principal.
Negligence was the chief cause of the disaster.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
(Scotland) Intimate, friendly.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
To smoke cannabis.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
The principal part; the most valuable portion.
The chief of the things which should be utterly destroyed.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
The upper third part of the field. It is supposed to be composed of the dexter, sinister, and middle chiefs.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Highest in office or rank; principal; head.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Very intimate, near, or close.
A whisperer separateth chief friends.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
A person who is in charge;
The head of the whole operation
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
A person who exercises control over workers;
If you want to leave early you have to ask the foreman
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
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
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
In a leading or commanding position.
As the project's chief engineer, she made all the final decisions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024

Repeatedly Asked Queries

How can understanding the origin of "chief" help in spelling it correctly?

Knowing its origin from Old French and Latin, where the 'ie' sequence is prevalent, helps in spelling "chief" correctly.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Is "cheif" ever recognized in English dictionaries?

No, "cheif" is not recognized in standard English dictionaries as it is a common misspelling of "chief."
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Why is "cheif" considered incorrect spelling?

"Cheif" is incorrect because it violates the common English spelling rule “I before E except after C”. "Chief" adheres to this rule.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

What is the most common mistake people make when spelling "chief"?

The most common mistake is inverting 'i' and 'e', resulting in the misspelling "cheif."
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

How does the pronunciation of "chief" contribute to its common misspelling?

The pronunciation of "chief" can sometimes blur the order of 'i' and 'e', leading to the misspelling "cheif."
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Is "cheif" recognized in any regional variations of English?

No, "cheif" is not recognized as correct in any regional variations of English.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

What is the origin of the word "chief"?

"Chief" comes from the Old French word "chief," which means head or leader, originally from the Latin "caput" meaning head.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

What part of speech is "chief"?

"Chief" is primarily a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective to describe something of principal importance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Can "chief" be used in different contexts?

Yes, "chief" can refer to a leader, the most important element, or the highest in rank in various contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Are there mnemonic devices to remember the spelling of "chief"?

One mnemonic is: "Chiefs Have Incredible, Exceptional Features."
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

How has the usage of "chief" evolved over time?

Originally referring to leaders or heads, "chief" has evolved to include any principal or leading figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Does "chief" have synonyms that might be easier to spell?

Yes, simpler synonyms include "leader," "head," or "boss," which might be easier to spell.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

What is the plural form of "chief"?

The plural form of "chief" is "chiefs."
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

In organizational terms, what does "chief" refer to?

Organizationally, "chief" often refers to the highest-ranking person, like a chief executive officer (CEO).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Does the meaning of "chief" change in different cultures?

Yes, in different cultures, "chief" can take on varied meanings, often related to traditional leadership or authority roles.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Misspellings

Trending Misspellings

Sulphate vs. SulfateSulphate vs. Sulfate
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2023
Sulphate is incorrect spelling, while Sulfate is correct; it refers to a salt or ester of sulfuric acid.
Chanel vs. ChannelChanel vs. Channel
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
June 24, 2024
The incorrect word "Chanel" is not a commonly used term in English. It might be a misspelling of the word "Channel," which has a different meaning.
Tooless vs. ToollessTooless vs. Toolless
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 7, 2024
The word "Tooless" is incorrect, while "Toolless" means something can be assembled or operated without the need for tools.
Perscription vs. PrescriptionPerscription vs. Prescription
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 20, 2024
"Perscription is incorrect spelling while Prescription is correct, referring to a doctor's written order for the preparation and administration of a medicine."
Undecisive vs. IndecisiveUndecisive vs. Indecisive
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 23, 2024
"Undecisive" is incorrect spelling while "Indecisive" is correct; being indecisive means having difficulty making decisions.
Debateable vs. DebatableDebateable vs. Debatable
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 31, 2023
"Debateable is an incorrect spelling, whereas Debatable is correct, meaning something that is open to discussion or argument."
Sailer vs. SailorSailer vs. Sailor
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
"Sailer is incorrect spelling while Sailor is correct, denoting a person who works or travels on a ship."
Grandaughter vs. GranddaughterGrandaughter vs. Granddaughter
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2023
"Grandaughter is incorrect spelling while Granddaughter, meaning a daughter of one's son or daughter, is correct."
Upmost vs. UtmostUpmost vs. Utmost
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 30, 2023
"Upmost is incorrect spelling while Utmost is correct, meaning the greatest degree or extent possible."
Supress vs. SuppressSupress vs. Suppress
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
March 1, 2024
Supress is incorrect spelling while suppress is correct, meaning to end or stop something by force.
Intelegent vs. IntelligentIntelegent vs. Intelligent
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
June 19, 2024
Intelegent is incorrect spelling while intelligent is correct, denoting someone who has or shows a high mental capacity quickly and clearly.
Aquit vs. acquitAquit vs. acquit
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 4, 2024
"Aquit" is incorrect; the right spelling for declaring not guilty is "acquit."
Archeaologist vs. ArcheologistArcheaologist vs. Archeologist
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
June 28, 2024
The incorrect word "Archeaologist" is a misspelling of the word "Archeologist," which refers to a person who studies and explores past human cultures and civilizations through excavations and analysis.
Gonig vs. GoingGonig vs. Going
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
April 23, 2024
The incorrect word "Gonig" is a misspelling of the word "Going," which refers to the act of moving or traveling from one place to another.
Interruptable vs. InterruptibleInterruptable vs. Interruptible
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 29, 2024
The incorrect word "Interruptable" is a misspelling of the word "Interruptible," which refers to something that can be interrupted.
Permiting vs. PermittingPermiting vs. Permitting
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 16, 2024
The correct spelling is "Permitting," while "Permiting" is a misspelling of the word.
Retardent vs. RetardantRetardent vs. Retardant
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
April 16, 2024
The correct spelling is "Retardant," while "Retardent" is a misspelling of the word.
Quited vs. QuitQuited vs. Quit
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 3, 2024
"Quit" is the correct form, as in "I quit my job"; "Quited" is a misspelling.
Placeing vs. PlacingPlaceing vs. Placing
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 11, 2024
"Placeing" is incorrect, while "Placing" is the proper spelling for the act of putting something in a particular position.
Moveing vs. MovingMoveing vs. Moving
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 22, 2024
The correct spelling is "Moving", not "Moveing", as in "We are moving to a new city next month.
Accessable vs. AccessibleAccessable vs. Accessible
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 28, 2024
"Accessable" is incorrect spelling while "Accessible" is correct; accessible means easy to approach, reach, enter, or use.
Meen vs. MeanMeen vs. Mean
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 19, 2024
"Meen is an incorrect spelling, while Mean is correct; mean can signify to intend, represent, or denote something, or refer to an average."
Persue vs. PursuePersue vs. Pursue
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 27, 2024
"Persue" is incorrect spelling, while "Pursue," meaning to follow or strive for something persistently or to chase, is correct.
Inavailable vs. UnavailableInavailable vs. Unavailable
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 27, 2023
"Inavailable is incorrect spelling while Unavailable is correct, meaning not able to be used or accessed."

New Misspellings