WordGarden.iopeaceful
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈiːsfəl/
US
- /ˈpisfəl/
Meanings
Adjective
calm, quiet, and free from disturbance
nonviolent and not marked by conflict or war
Beyond the definition
A peaceful place feels calm and quiet, with nothing disturbing it. It is the feeling you get from gentle waves, a quiet forest, or a slow evening at home. The word is not only for places. A person can feel peaceful inside, even when life around them is busy or hard. A peaceful end to an argument means people solve it without fighting. It is the opposite of something noisy, tense, or violent.
The word also describes situations without conflict, such as a peaceful protest that does not turn violent. You might use it for a sunset, a good night's sleep, or the calm feeling after meditation. On a larger scale, it can describe a country or time without war.
The word peaceful describes a state of tranquility, calmness, and freedom from disturbance. It evokes imagery of serenity and quietude, but its meaning extends far beyond physical surroundings.
A peaceful environment is one where there is an absence of noise, violence, or worry—think of a still lake at dawn, a quiet meadow, or a cozy room with a crackling fire. You might say, "The village was a peaceful haven from the bustling city." However, the word isn't limited to geography. You can experience a peaceful state of mind—a sense of inner contentment even amidst chaos. This internal peace often stems from acceptance, mindfulness, or spiritual practice, allowing someone to remain remarkably peaceful despite a stressful day.
Furthermore, peaceful describes relationships and interactions characterized by harmony and a lack of hostility. A "peaceful negotiation" results in an agreement through dialogue rather than threats. It can even describe a person's underlying disposition, such as someone known for their "peaceful nature."
Historically, the word is derived from the Old French paisible, meaning "tranquil," and is rooted in the Latin word pax, meaning peace. Whether describing a place, a feeling, or a diplomatic interaction, "peaceful" signifies a state of harmony and a welcome respite in a world often filled with noise and conflict.
Examples
- 1
Leisure
We spent a peaceful afternoon by the lake.
- 2
Home
The house is usually peaceful after the children go to bed.
- 3
Appearance
She looked peaceful for the first time all week.
- 4
Emotional state
Yoga helps me feel peaceful before work.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Post-conflict
The village has been peaceful since the fighting stopped.
- 6
Protest
Thousands joined a peaceful protest outside city hall.
- 7
Conflict resolution
The two countries are looking for a peaceful solution to the dispute.
- 8
Election
The election ended with a peaceful transfer of power.
- Phrasetransfer of power
when one leader or government gives control to the next
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- peacefuladjective