peaceful

[pees-fuhl]

adjective

1. characterized by peace; free from war, strife, commotion, violence, or disorder: a peaceful demonstration.

   a peaceful reign;

   a peaceful demonstration.

2. of, relating to, or characteristic of a state or time of peace.

3. peaceable; not argumentative, quarrelsome, or hostile.

   a peaceful disposition.

peaceful

/ ˈpiːsfʊl /

adjective

1. not in a state of war or disagreement

2. tranquil; calm

3. not involving violence

   peaceful picketing

4. of, relating to, or in accord with a time of peace

   peaceful uses of atomic energy

5. inclined towards peace

Other Word Forms

• peacefully adverb
• peacefulness noun
• quasi-peaceful adjective
• quasi-peacefully adverb
• semipeaceful adjective
• semipeacefully adverb
• unpeaceful adjective
• unpeacefully adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of peaceful¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, peaceful is from the Middle English word pesful; peace, -ful

Synonym Study

Peaceful, placid, serene, tranquil refer to what is characterized by lack of strife or agitation. Peaceful today is rarely applied to persons; it refers to situations, scenes, and activities free of disturbances or, occasionally, of warfare: a peaceful life. Placid, serene, tranquil are used mainly of persons; when used of things (usually elements of nature) there is a touch of personification. Placid suggests an unruffled calm that verges on complacency: a placid disposition; a placid stream. Serene is a somewhat nobler word; when used of persons it suggests dignity, composure, and graciousness: a serene old man; when applied to nature there is a suggestion of mellowness: the serene landscapes of autumn. Tranquil implies a command of emotions, often because of strong faith, which keeps one unagitated even in the midst of excitement or danger.

Example Sentences

"She was a lady that never did harm. She was very peaceful and hard-working," said one mourner as family, friends and colleagues gathered for a big funeral at her local mosque.

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In the mostly peaceful decades that followed, Athens became a wealthy empire.

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The 58-year-old was named as the prestigious prize's recipient in October, being praised for her efforts towards a "peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy".

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"It can be a very peaceful, sometimes religious, sometimes cultural and sometimes social experience," Minson said.

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Hard to know what she’ll appreciate more: the peaceful slumber or the practical drawstring bag constructed in the same silky fabric as the mask and scrunchie.

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Related Words

• amicable 
• bloodless 
• calm 
• harmonious 
• neutral 
• nonviolent 
• peace-loving www.thesaurus.com
• placid 
• quiet 
• smooth 
• steady 
• tranquil