Is 'peacetime' one word or two?

It is a single, closed compound noun: 'peacetime'.

Can 'peacetime' be used as an adjective?

Yes, it is commonly used attributively (as a noun modifier) before another noun, e.g., 'peacetime economy'.

What is the difference between 'peace' and 'peacetime'?

'Peace' is a broader, more abstract state. 'Peacetime' specifically refers to a period or duration during which peace exists, often in an official or historical context.

Is there a plural form, 'peacetimes'?

The plural is extremely rare and non-standard. The concept is treated as an uncountable/mass noun.

Is “peacetime” formal?

Peacetime is usually formal, journalistic, historical in register.

How do you pronounce “peacetime”?

Peacetime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːs.taɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːs.taɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

peacetime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Medium

UK/ˈpiːs.taɪm/US/ˈpiːs.taɪm/

Formal, Journalistic, Historical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “peacetime” mean?

A period when a nation or area is not at war.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A period when a nation or area is not at war; a state of peace or normalcy.

Any period characterized by normal, non-conflict operations, often used in contrast to emergency, wartime, or crisis periods. Can apply metaphorically to personal or organizational contexts.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical or usage differences. Spelling is consistent.

Connotations

Both share connotations of normalcy, stability, and the suspension of military conflict.

Frequency

Frequency of use is comparable, with slight elevation in American media due to post-WWII and Cold War discourse.

Grammar

How to Use “peacetime” in a Sentence

[during/in] peacetimepeacetime [noun]the [adjective] peacetime

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

during peacetimein peacetimepeacetime operationspeacetime economypeacetime strength

medium

prolonged peacetimepost-war peacetimepeacetime dutiespeacetime rolepeacetime budget

weak

rare peacetimebrief peacetimeuneasy peacetimepeacetime prosperitypeacetime transition

Examples

Examples of “peacetime” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The regiment will stand down as it does in peacetime.
The government must plan for how to peacetime the economy after conflict.

American English

The unit trains as it would during peacetime.
The directive aims to peacetime the industrial base.

adjective

British English

The peacetime establishment of the army is much smaller.
They enjoyed a peacetime routine for decades.

American English

The peacetime budget was approved by Congress.
He served in a peacetime military.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to standard market conditions without wartime disruptions or sanctions.

Academic

Used in history, political science, and international relations to delineate periods between conflicts.

Everyday

Used in news or historical discussions about periods without war.

Technical

In military doctrine, refers to official status affecting rules of engagement, budgeting, and force structure.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “peacetime”

Strong

peacenon-belligerencytranquillity

Neutral

peacenon-war periodtime of peace

Weak

normalcyinterwar periodcalm period

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “peacetime”

wartime conflicthostilitiesstate of warcombat period

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “peacetime”

Using it with an indefinite article incorrectly (e.g., 'a peacetime' as a countable noun).
Confusing 'peacetime' (noun) with 'peaceful time' (descriptive phrase).
Misspelling as two words ('peace time').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is a single, closed compound noun: 'peacetime'.
: Yes, it is commonly used attributively (as a noun modifier) before another noun, e.g., 'peacetime economy'.
: 'Peace' is a broader, more abstract state. 'Peacetime' specifically refers to a period or duration during which peace exists, often in an official or historical context.
: The plural is extremely rare and non-standard. The concept is treated as an uncountable/mass noun.
: A period when a nation or area is not at war.
: Peacetime is usually formal, journalistic, historical in register.
: Peacetime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːs.taɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːs.taɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“a peacetime army (a military during peace, often implying reduced readiness)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'PEACE' + 'TIME' = a TIME of PEACE, the opposite of wartime.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME IS A CONTAINER (we are 'in peacetime'); PEACE IS A STATE OF NORMALCY.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The naval base operates with a skeleton crew .

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the most accurate antonym for 'peacetime'?