chief

The person who leads an organization, department, or other group.

• The fire chief arrived first.
• Our new police chief starts on Monday.
• He reports directly to the security chief.

How to use it: chief of something (She became chief of the research department.)

Similar words: head, leader, boss

Common phrases: police chief, fire chief, chief of staff

The leader of a tribe or similar traditional community.

• The chief welcomed the visitors.
• The village elders met with their chief.
• A new chief was chosen after the ceremony.

Similar words: leader

Common phrases: tribal chief, village chief, the chief of something

Most important, or having the highest position among similar people or things.

• Cost is our chief concern.
• She is the chief designer at the company.
• What was the chief reason for the delay?

Similar words: main, principal, leading

Opposites: minor

Common phrases: chief concern, chief reason, chief executive