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

Transborder continued to drag from geopolitical issues, while pacific continued to see the impact of yield normalization following the prior year’s industry capacity growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

In the city in Canada's pacific northwest, Ms Yamauchi's story is as common as the rainy weather.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2025

The beginning of wisdom is the quest to master one's fear, the urge to turn away from fear-driven hatreds, to find better, more pacific, more loving ways.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2023

“We know we are stronger when we combine our collective efforts and focus on pacific regionalism and the priorities of the blue pacific continent,” Hipkins said.

From Reuters • Jun. 7, 2023

Now, with his hands folded over his stomach, answering questions with the pacific smile of a pontiff granting dispensations, he was so perfectly at his ease that there was something palpably dishonest about it.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt