peace
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A state of freedom from war, violence, or disturbance; tranquillity and calm.
A state of harmony or accord between individuals or groups; a personal state of mental or emotional calm; an absence of internal conflict or anxiety.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Abstract but universally understood concept. Can refer to international relations, interpersonal harmony, or inner states. Often used in idiomatic expressions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical differences. Both use 'peace' identically. Phrases like 'to sue for peace' (historical/formal) are more common in British historical discourse. 'Piece' (as in 'piece of mind') is a homophone mistake in both varieties.
Connotations
Very similar connotations: positive, aspirational, associated with stability. Slightly stronger connection to formal diplomacy in British usage.
Frequency
High frequency in both, with comparable usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
peace between [Parties]peace with [Country/Group]peace of [Abstract Noun, e.g., mind]peace in [Place]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make peace with”
- “at peace”
- “hold one's peace”
- “peace of mind”
- “disturb the peace”
- “no peace for the wicked”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"After the merger, we need to broker a peace between the rival sales teams."
Academic
"The 1648 Peace of Westphalia established key principles of modern state sovereignty."
Everyday
"I just need a bit of peace and quiet to finish this book."
Technical
In legal contexts: "He was charged with breaching the peace." In telecommunications: 'PEACE' can be an acronym (e.g., for protocols).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The mediators worked tirelessly to peace the warring factions.
American English
- The community leader tried to peace the situation before it escalated.
adverb
British English
- Not a standard adverbial form. Used in compounds like 'peace-loving'.
American English
- Not a standard adverbial form. Used in compounds like 'peace-keeping'.
adjective
British English
- It was a peace march organised by local churches.
American English
- She wore a peace sign necklace from the 1960s.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children played in peace.
- We want peace in our family.
- Goodnight, sleep in peace.
- After the argument, they finally made peace.
- The treaty brought peace to the region for ten years.
- She meditates to find inner peace.
- The fragile peace between the two communities was threatened by the new law.
- He negotiated a peace deal that was acceptable to all sides.
- All I ask for is a bit of peace and quiet on Sunday mornings.
- The artist's work reflects a profound yearning for spiritual peace amidst urban chaos.
- Historians debate whether the period was one of genuine peace or merely a cold war.
- She sued for peace, offering significant concessions to end the costly litigation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a freshly mown lawn on a sunny afternoon – a perfect scene of PEACE. Or: 'Peace' sounds like 'piece' – think of a 'piece' of quiet pie.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACE IS CALM WEATHER / PEACE IS QUIET / PEACE IS A FRAGILE OBJECT (to make, to keep, to break).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing 'мир' (peace/world) with 'покой' (rest/calm). In English, 'peace' does not mean 'world'. The phrase 'on earth' or 'world peace' clarifies the scope.
- The common Russian farewell 'мир вам' is an archaic/literary 'peace be with you' in English, not a standard greeting.
- The phrase 'at peace' translates better as 'в покое' or 'в мире с собой' rather than just 'в мире'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'peace' (noun) with 'piece' (noun, part of something). Example: 'I need peace of cake' (wrong) vs. 'I need a piece of cake' (correct).
- Misspelling as 'peice'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'peace of/with/in' require specific contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'breach of the peace', 'peace' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While used for global or national peace, it's very common for personal situations ('peace of mind', 'peace and quiet') and interpersonal relations ('make peace with a friend').
'Silence' is purely the absence of sound. 'Peace' is a broader state of calm and freedom from disturbance, which may or may not include silence (you can have a peaceful, noisy garden).
It's extremely rare and non-standard as a standalone verb. We use phrases like 'make peace', 'peace-keeping', or verbs like 'pacify'. The example 'to peace' given in the part-of-speech section is highly marked and contextual.
It's a common epitaph or expression of condolence, wishing for the deceased to be free from disturbance in the afterlife. It's a fixed phrase and not used in other contexts.
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B2 · 47 words · Vocabulary for discussing world problems and politics.
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