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

“This is part of the process, when we talk about a peaceful transfer of power,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

“Surfing for me is a really peaceful place. It’s about being in nature; it’s about doing something I love,” Ryan said.

From Los Angeles Times

“But it seems to me it makes people even more angry, irritates and outrages them. Because people really cannot understand, especially lately, those attacks that hit peaceful houses.”

From BBC

A peaceful protester, Maria Kolesnikova was sentenced to 11 years for extremism and supposedly plotting to overthrow the government.

From BBC

But since I quit that platform, it’s just much more peaceful.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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