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

“It is so peaceful here. We miss the peace and quiet. We miss the sunsets and the sunrises. We miss being near the ocean.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And then, right on cue, Santa Claus closed it out — a familiar ending to a rare, peaceful holiday start.

Read more on Salon

They said the country had been prepared for the announcement of the election results after what it described as an "orderly and peaceful" process.

Read more on BBC

It sounds torturous on paper and in some Reddit reviews, but it turned out to be an oddly peaceful way to brave, and dare I say savor, holiday travel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some of the biggest obstacles facing Germany’s military planners are intangible: ponderous procurement rules, onerous data protection laws, and other regulations forged in a more peaceful era.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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