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

Rabe, who only gave the BBC his first name, has accused the police of firing live bullets at peaceful protesters - a few blocks away from where Ms Edmondine's daughter-in-law was hiding.

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It sounded peaceful and painful: an old man reminiscing after 50 years of marriage.

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“There’s something really exciting and peaceful about it because there’s nothing to prove.”

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What used to be a peaceful, sleepy village has turned into a zone of fear.

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"It's a peaceful, lovely village," insisted Mr Singh who was born in Glasgow to parents who were originally from India.

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Related Words

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