kiss of peace
C2Formal / Religious
Definition
Meaning
A ceremonial kiss given as a sign of friendship, reconciliation, or liturgical greeting, particularly in Christian rites.
Any gesture or action symbolising reconciliation, goodwill, or an end to hostility.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a fixed term referring to a specific historical or liturgical act. Its metaphorical use outside religious contexts is rare and highly literary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong connotations of formality, ritual, and Christian tradition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Slightly higher occurrence in British English in historical/academic texts due to the established church context.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[exchange/give/offer] the kiss of peace [to someone]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To give someone the kiss of peace (figurative, rare) = to reconcile formally.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or liturgical studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in Christian liturgy and church history.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bishops will kiss peace during the ordination mass.
American English
- The congregation is invited to kiss peace as part of the liturgy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the traditional mass, the kiss of peace is exchanged before communion.
- The two leaders shook hands, a modern political kiss of peace.
- The liturgical reform debated whether the kiss of peace should remain a literal kiss or be replaced by a handshake.
- His speech was seen as an olive branch, a verbal kiss of peace to the opposing faction.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a formal handshake ending a feud, but in historical Christian ceremonies, it was an actual kiss symbolising the same thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACE IS PHYSICAL CONTACT; RITUAL IS A PHYSICAL ACT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'kiss of peace' in modern secular contexts where it would sound bizarre. For the general concept of reconciliation, use 'жест примирения' or 'символ мира'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to describe a romantic kiss. Confusing it with 'kiss of death'. Using it in casual, non-formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'kiss of peace' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in many Christian denominations, though often modified to a handshake, bow, or other non-kiss gesture called the 'Sign of Peace'.
Yes, but it is a highly literary and figurative usage. It would be appropriate in historical or political writing to describe a profound, formal act of reconciliation.
An 'olive branch' is a general offer of peace or reconciliation. A 'kiss of peace' is a specific, often ritualised, formal enactment of that peace.
No. It is a specialised term confined to religious, historical, or very formal literary contexts.