WordGarden.iopeacefully
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈiːsfəli/
US
- /ˈpisfəli/
Meanings
Adverb
without violence, fighting, or serious conflict
in a calm, quiet, or tranquil way
Beyond the definition
To do something peacefully means to do it in a calm, quiet way, without violence or serious conflict. Imagine a quiet forest where the animals move peacefully, or a couple holding hands and walking peacefully along the beach. The word often suggests a feeling of calm and balance. Even a large, passionate protest can happen peacefully if the people involved avoid violence and aggression. Think of a dove being released into the air: it glides peacefully upward, a familiar symbol of calm and grace.
The word "peacefully" describes how an action is performed in a calm, quiet, and harmonious manner—free from disturbance, conflict, or hostility. It suggests more than just the absence of noise; it implies a positive presence of serenity. For example, the sentence "The river flowed peacefully through the valley" paints a picture of gentle movement and nature in perfect balance.
"Peacefully" is often used to describe the resolution of conflict or a transition of state. A person might pass away peacefully in their sleep, meaning they reached the end of their life without pain or struggle. On a larger scale, two nations might negotiate peacefully to resolve a dispute, indicating a mutual commitment to dialogue and compromise rather than military force.
In daily life, the word is often contrasted with adverbs like "violently," "aggressively," or "turbulently." Choosing to behave peacefully suggests a demeanor of calmness and a lack of hostility toward others.
The concept is deeply rooted in the human experience, reflecting a universal desire for harmony in our personal lives and international interactions. Whether describing a natural scene, a personal experience, or a diplomatic effort, to act peacefully is to choose calm over chaos, understanding over conflict, and cooperation over aggression.
Examples
- 1
Sleep
The baby slept peacefully in her crib.
- 2
Quiet scene
They sat peacefully by the lake and watched the sun go down.
- 3
Children
The children played peacefully together all afternoon.
- 4
Conflict resolution
The two sides agreed to settle the dispute peacefully.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Protest
Thousands of people protested peacefully outside city hall.
- 6
Death
She passed away peacefully in her sleep.
- Usagepass away
die; a gentle, polite expression
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- protest peacefully
- resolve disputes peacefully
- coexist peacefully
- sleep peacefully
Word family
Explore
- nonviolence
- conflict resolution
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- peacefullyadverb