pacific

American  

[puh-sif-ik] / pəˈsɪf ɪk /

adjective

1. tending to make or preserve peace; conciliatory.

   pacific overtures.

   Synonyms:

   dovish

2. not warlike; peaceable; mild.

   a pacific disposition.

   Synonyms:

   humane , gentle

   Antonyms:

   antagonistic , quarrelsome , argumentative

3. at peace; peaceful.

   a pacific era in history.

   Synonyms:

   quiet

4. calm; tranquil.

   The Wabash is a pacific river.

5. Pacific,

   1. of or relating to the Pacific Ocean.

   2. of or relating to the region bordering on the Pacific Ocean.

      the Pacific states.

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noun

1. the Pacific. Pacific Ocean.

2. Pacific, a steam locomotive having a four-wheeled front truck, six driving wheels, and a two-wheeled rear truck.

pacific ¹ British  

/ pəˈsɪfɪk /

adjective

1. tending or conducive to peace; conciliatory

2. not aggressive; opposed to the use of force

3. free from conflict; peaceful

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Pacific ² British  

/ pəˈsɪfɪk /

noun

1. short for Pacific Ocean

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adjective

1. of or relating to the Pacific Ocean or its islands

Usage

What does pacific mean? The adjective pacific means peaceful, calm, tranquil, or nonviolent.When capitalized, Pacific is best known as the name of the Pacific Ocean, often simply called the Pacific.The adjective pacific is not used nearly as often as some of its common synonyms, such as peaceful.Example: While their neighbors were known as warriors, the tribe was pacific, specializing in trade.

Other Word Forms

• nonpacific adjective
• pacifically adverb
• unpacific adjective

Etymology

Origin of pacific

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French pacifique, from Latin pācificus, literally, “peacemaking,” equivalent to pāci- (combining form of pāx “peace”) + -ficus adjective suffix; peace, -fic

Example Sentences

But are there not days when we prefer the crusty textures and spiritual commotion of Rembrandt to the pooling, pacific light of Vermeer?

From Washington Post

The Stephen Sondheim musical “Pacific Overtures” harbors moments that are not so pacific, not least a samurai battle.

From Washington Post

At least Petrov flashes back to his relatively pacific childhood, a period of light and tenderness, a time before Russia’s current regime.

From New York Times

Species include juvenile Chinook and coho salmon, as well as trout, pacific lamprey, suckers, crayfish and various macroinvertebrates, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s a distinction that has long been reserved for the most picturesque hole in golf, the seventh at Pebble Beach with its green jutting into the pacific.

From Seattle Times