peaceful
Americanadjective
adjective
-
not in a state of war or disagreement
-
tranquil; calm
-
not involving violence
peaceful picketing
-
of, relating to, or in accord with a time of peace
peaceful uses of atomic energy
-
inclined towards peace
Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
- peacefully adverb
- peacefulness noun
- quasi-peaceful adjective
- quasi-peacefully adverb
- semipeaceful adjective
- semipeacefully adverb
- unpeaceful adjective
- unpeacefully adverb
Etymology
Origin of peaceful
First recorded in 1250–1300, peaceful is from the Middle English word pesful; peace, -ful
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But it would be an immense challenge to replace a regime removed by force with a peaceful, coherent alternative.
From BBC
"We all hope for an early peaceful resolution to the current hostilities."
From Barron's
He said he continued to pray for peace, diplomacy and the “well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice,” according to a translated statement.
From Los Angeles Times
Lavrov condemned the attack and pledged Russia's readiness "to facilitate the search for peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect, and a balance of interests".
From Barron's
The SRG is tasked with policing both peaceful protests and terrorist attacks, a dangerous dual responsibility.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
