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

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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.

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