What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
headman
Example
The headman of the village was responsible for making important decisions. [headman: noun]
Example
The headman of the marketing team was responsible for overseeing all the campaigns. [headman: noun]
Example
The headman of the medical department was responsible for managing the hospital staff. [headman: noun]
chief
Example
The chief of the tribe made all the important decisions. [chief: noun]
Example
The chief executive officer was responsible for the overall management of the company. [chief: noun]
Example
The chief financial officer was responsible for managing the company's finances. [chief: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chief is more commonly used in modern English than headman. Chief is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while headman is less common and has a more limited usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between headman and chief?
Chief is generally considered more formal and professional than headman. While chief can be used in both formal and informal contexts, headman is more commonly used in informal or traditional settings.