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

Derived Forms

• ˈpeacefully, adverb
• ˈpeacefulness, noun

Other Words From

• peaceful·ly adverb
• peaceful·ness noun
• quasi-peaceful adjective
• quasi-peaceful·ly adverb
• semi·peaceful adjective
• semi·peaceful·ly adverb
• un·peaceful adjective
• un·peaceful·ly 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

The core of the Jan. 6 case is a breathtaking effort to exhort supporters to commit an insurrection and prevent the peaceful transfer of power, the sine qua non of a democracy.

From Los Angeles Times

Scott references this peaceful image in the opening of his sequel, “Gladiator II.”

From Los Angeles Times

It adds: “Invited to pose for a photo with lovely peaceful British Friends of Israel on Saturday police refused. Look at this lot smiling with the Jew haters.”

From BBC

President-elect Donald Trump has thrown out the rulebook for a peaceful transfer of power, instead undetaking a “hostile takeover” of the federal government, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.

From Salon

"It may sound silly, and the translation of our work into a marketable drug will take years, but we now have a potentially targetable brain circuit for creating therapeutics that could instantly slow breathing and initiate a peaceful, meditative state."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• amicable
• bloodless
• calm
• harmonious
• neutral
• nonviolent
• peace-loving
• placid
• quiet
• smooth
• steady
• tranquil