make-peace
C1 (Advanced)Formal, Literary. Often used in historical, diplomatic, or reflective contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To end a conflict or argument and re-establish friendly relations; to reconcile.
To act as a mediator or peacemaker between conflicting parties; the role or action of reconciling.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term implies an active, deliberate effort to resolve a dispute, not just a passive cessation of hostility. It often carries a sense of finality and restored harmony.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major grammatical or usage differences. More commonly found in British historical/narrative contexts, but understood and used in American English.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with formal reconciliation, often on a personal or political scale.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, slightly higher in UK English in literary contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
make-peace with [PERSON/NATION]make-peace between [PARTY A] and [PARTY B]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bury the hatchet”
- “kiss and make up”
- “extend an olive branch”
- “let bygones be bygones”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for ending a corporate dispute or merger tensions.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or conflict resolution studies.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech; 'make up' is preferred for personal arguments.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- After years of feuding, the neighbours finally decided to make-peace.
- The king sent his chancellor to make-peace between the warring barons.
American English
- It's time to make-peace with your past and move on.
- The treaty was designed to make-peace with the indigenous tribes.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- (Hyphenated attributive use is rare) He played a make-peace role in the negotiations.
American English
- She has a real make-peace personality, always calming everyone down.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The two friends argued but later made-peace.
- He wanted to make-peace with his brother.
- The UN envoy's mission was to make-peace between the two countries.
- After the divorce, it took them years to finally make-peace.
- The historical narrative focuses on the queen's attempt to make-peace with the rebellious nobles through strategic marriage alliances.
- True maturity lies in the ability to make-peace with life's inherent uncertainties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MAKER (craftsman) whose speciality is creating PEACE treaties instead of objects.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACE IS AN OBJECT THAT CAN BE CREATED/CRAFTED (MAKE). CONFLICT RESOLUTION IS CONSTRUCTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'делать мир' (to do peace).
- Do not confuse with 'мириться' which is reflexive and closer to 'reconcile oneself to a situation'.
- The correct conceptual equivalent is 'помириться' (to reconcile with someone).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'We need to make peace to our argument.' Correct: 'We need to make peace *after* our argument' or 'make peace *over* our argument.'
- Incorrect use as a noun without hyphen: 'He is a make peace.' Correct: 'He is a peacemaker.' or 'He tried to make-peace.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'make-peace' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Make up' is informal and common for personal arguments. 'Make-peace' is more formal, implies a more serious or longstanding conflict, and can involve mediation between others.
Typically, no. The noun form is 'peacemaker' for a person, or 'reconciliation'/'peacemaking' for the action. 'Make-peace' is primarily a verb (or attributive adjective).
Yes, for the verb phrase when used in a compound sense meaning 'to reconcile'. Without the hyphen, 'make peace' is a simple verb+object phrase (e.g., 'make peace, not war'). The hyphenated form treats it as a single lexical unit.
To start a feud, to declare war, to fall out (with someone), or to antagonise/antagonize.