chieftain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “chieftain” is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to the leader of a group or clan. It can usually be used in a historical context, or to refer to present day leaders of tribes or clans. Example: The class studied the traditional way of life of the local Native American chieftains.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Republicans threw a similar charge at the local Democratic chieftain, Richard Gephardt, the minority leader in the House.

The Economist

This logic underpinned its counter-insurgency strategy, with Mr Musharraf often blaming the war on the rebellious Bugti and Marri chiefs and another aged chieftain, of the smaller Mengal tribe.

The Economist

One theory is that it was a Gazan clan chieftain or official trying to embarrass Hamas, the PA's ruling party.

The Economist

Their crushing and the death of their vile chieftain, Velupillai Prabhakaran (see article), are cause for celebration.

The Economist

He incited the chieftain to jail some of Moctezuma's haughty and perfumed tax-collectors, only to secretly free them later so that they would return to their lord and give a favourable account of the stranger's magnanimity.This is also where the first seeds of mestizaje may have been sown.

The Economist

Walid Jumblatt, the pugnacious Lebanese Druze chieftain who blames the killing of his own father on Assad père, recently derided the "stupid illusions" of Westerners who believe that the "wild beast" that they say is Syria's regime could ever change its stripes.

The Economist

Extrajudicial killings, disappearances, child abductions and terrorist killings are rife.The tone for the latest round of fighting was set by the Tigers' chieftain, Velupillai Prabhakaran, in his annual "Heroes' Day" speech.

The Economist

For the past 15 years, that restraint has hardly been tested, since the chairman has been the family's chieftain, Peter Wallenberg.

The Economist

His painting, "Ways of Worldly Wisdom: Arminius's Battle" (1978), alludes to a tenth-century Germanic chieftain, Hermann, an idealised national symbol for later German writers, soldiers and philosophers.

The Economist

He is beloved by his rural base but critics say he runs the country like a chieftain, expecting total control.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr Young paints incisive portraits, such as one describing the world-weary Druze chieftain Walid Jumblatt, "his eyelids for ever sagging under the weight of his impossible choices".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chieftain", ensure the context clearly indicates a tribal or clan-based society to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "chieftain" to describe modern business leaders. This term is rooted in tribal leadership and is not appropriate for contemporary corporate structures.

Linguistic Context

The word "chieftain" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the leader of a tribe, clan, or other group. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing examples of how it appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

14%

Academia

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "chieftain" is a noun that refers to a leader of a tribe, clan, or group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily news media and encyclopedias. The term carries a neutral register and is most appropriately used in contexts related to traditional societies, avoiding misuse in modern corporate settings. Alternatives like "tribal chief" or "clan leader" can provide more specific contexts if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tribal chief

Specifies the leader of a tribe, similar to "chieftain" but more explicit about the tribal context.

clan leader

Emphasizes leadership within a clan, offering a more specific context than "chieftain".

head of the tribe

A more descriptive phrase, clearly indicating the leader's role in a tribal community.

leader of the clan

Similar to "clan leader", this phrase offers clarity about the leader's position within the clan structure.

warlord

Implies a military leader, often in a historical or conflict-driven context, differing slightly from the general leadership implied by "chieftain".

headman

A simpler term for a leader, often in smaller or less formal communities, differing in the scale of leadership.

ruling chief

Highlights the chief's governing authority, adding a layer of administrative responsibility to the role.

supreme leader

Suggests the highest level of authority, differing in the scope and power from a typical "chieftain".

commander

Emphasizes a military leadership role, which may or may not be part of the duties of a "chieftain".

chief executive

A modern term for a top leader, usually in a corporate or organizational setting, contrasting with the traditional and often tribal context of "chieftain".

FAQs

How to use "chieftain" in a sentence?

Use "chieftain" to refer to the leader of a tribe or clan, as in: "The tribal "chieftain" led his people with wisdom and courage."

What's the difference between "chieftain" and "leader"?

"Chieftain" specifically denotes the leader of a tribe or clan, whereas "leader" is a more general term for someone who guides or directs a group.

What can I say instead of "chieftain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tribal chief", "clan leader", or "headman".

Is "chieftain" an outdated term?

"Chieftain" is not outdated but is specifically used in contexts related to tribes, clans, or historical societies. Its appropriateness depends on the specific situation you're describing.