Peaceful

ˈpiːsfəl

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonEmotion
2 meanings3 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Free from war, violence, or disturbance; calm and tranquil.

ˈpiːsfəl

adjectivepositiveBeginner
Emotion

Free from disturbance; tranquil

The peaceful lake reflected the setting sun.

💡 Simply: Imagine a place where everything is calm and quiet, like a cozy cabin in the woods. Peaceful means things are not fighting or noisy. It's like a relaxed, happy feeling.

👶 For kids: When something is peaceful, it means it is quiet and calm, like a sleeping cat!

More Examples

2

They lived a peaceful life in the quiet village.

3

I found the yoga class to be a peaceful experience.

How It's Used

Everyday Life

"The peaceful atmosphere of the countryside is a welcome change from the city."

Literature

"The author described a peaceful setting where characters could reflect."

2

Characterized by the absence of war, fighting, or violence.

ˈpiːsfəl

adjectivepositivemedium
Politics

Not involving war or violence.

The leaders negotiated a peaceful settlement.

💡 Simply: Think about two friends settling a disagreement without any arguing or fighting. That's peaceful – when people solve problems in a calm, friendly way.

👶 For kids: A peaceful thing is not fighting or hurting anyone.

More Examples

2

They aimed for a peaceful transition of power.

3

The demonstration remained peaceful throughout the day.

How It's Used

Politics

"The countries reached a peaceful resolution to their dispute."

Social Science

"Protests were planned to be peaceful and non-violent."

Tip:Remember the opposite of a war zone - the absence of conflict is peaceful.

Idioms & expressions

peace of mind

A feeling of being free from worry or anxiety.

"Buying insurance gave her peace of mind."

make peace

To end a disagreement or conflict and become friendly again.

"After their argument, they decided to make peace."

peace offering

Something given to someone in an attempt to end a disagreement or argument.

"He brought her flowers as a peace offering after they argued."

From Middle English *pesful, *pesible, from Old French paisible (peaceable), from pais (peace) + -ible.

The word 'peaceful' has been used since the Middle Ages, evolving from earlier forms to describe tranquility and the absence of conflict. It was often used in religious and philosophical texts.

Memory tip

Think of a dove with an olive branch - a symbol of peace, which is peaceful.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English, Old French, Latin
Original meaning

"Peace; Tranquility; Absence of conflict."

peaceful atmospherepeaceful lifepeaceful protestpeaceful sleeppeaceful resolution

Common misspellings

peacefullpeacefuly

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written