What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chief
Example
The chief of police held a press conference to address the recent crime wave. [chief: noun]
Example
She is the chief executive officer of the company. [chief: adjective]
director
Example
He is the director of marketing at the advertising agency. [director: noun]
Example
The director's vision brought the play to life on stage. [director: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Director is more commonly used than chief in everyday language, especially in business and corporate settings. Director is a versatile term that can be applied to various industries and sectors, while chief is more specific and commonly used in government, military, and emergency services.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chief and director?
While chief is often associated with a formal and traditional tone, director is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.