chaine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal & Informal
Quick answer
What does “chaine” mean?
A series of connected metal links or rings used for fastening, securing, or pulling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A series of connected metal links or rings used for fastening, securing, or pulling.
A connected series or sequence of things, events, or establishments; a restraint or symbol of bondage; a unit of length.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derivatives (e.g., British 'chaining', American 'chaining' is identical). The term 'chain store' is common in both, but 'high street chain' is more British.
Connotations
Largely identical. 'Chain' as restraint can carry stronger negative political connotations (e.g., 'chains of oppression').
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “chaine” in a Sentence
chain N to Nchain N togetherbe chained to NN is chained downVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chaine” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- She wore a delicate silver chain around her ankle.
- The chemist studied the long carbon chain.
American English
- He works for a major fast-food chain.
- A chain of thunderstorms is moving east.
verb
British English
- They had to chain the bicycle to the railings.
- She felt chained to her desk all week.
American English
- Protesters chained themselves to the building.
- Don't chain yourself to outdated ideas.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to interconnected processes ('supply chain') or retail groups ('chain of hotels').
Academic
Used in sciences ('chain reaction', 'carbon chain'), geography ('mountain chain'), and sociology ('chain migration').
Everyday
Refers to jewellery, bicycle parts, or securing items (e.g., 'chain the gate').
Technical
In computing ('blockchain'), chemistry ('polymer chain'), and mechanics ('drive chain').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chaine”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chaine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chaine”
- Incorrect: 'a chain of islands are beautiful'. Correct: 'a chain of islands is beautiful'.
- Incorrect: 'I bought a new chain for my necklace'. (You buy a 'chain', the necklace *is* the chain).
- Incorrect: 'He chained the dog on the tree'. Correct: 'He chained the dog to the tree'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a countable noun (e.g., 'two chains', 'a chain').
'Chain' implies strong, often physical links or a necessary sequence. 'String' is a more general, often weaker sequence. 'Series' is neutral and broad, used for ordered sets (TV series, a series of talks).
Yes, meaning to fasten or confine with or as if with a chain (e.g., 'chain the door', 'chained to his responsibilities').
It is the entire network of entities involved in creating and delivering a product, from raw materials to the end consumer.
A series of connected metal links or rings used for fastening, securing, or pulling.
Chaine is usually formal & informal in register.
Chaine: in British English it is pronounced /tʃeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”
- “ball and chain”
- “chain of thought”
- “pull someone's chain”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bicycle CHAIN: it CONNECTS the pedals to the wheel, linking a series of metal rings.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS A CHAIN (chain of evidence), CONSTRAINT IS A CHAIN (chains of habit), SEQUENCE IS A CHAIN (chain of emails).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'chain' most commonly refers to: