peace
peace
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "peace" is: /piːs/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
peace: /piːs/
/p/ - voiceless bilabial stop
/iː/ - close front unrounded vowel (long "ee" sound)
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
The word "peace" primarily functions as an uncountable noun, meaning it doesn't typically have a plural form in the same way countable nouns do. You wouldn't say "peaces."
However, there are related word forms, though they aren't variations of "peace" itself in the singular/plural sense:
peace (noun, uncountable): This is the base form, referring to a state of tranquility or the absence of war.
peaceful (adjective): Describing a state or situation characterized by peace. Example: "a peaceful protest."
peacefully (adverb): In a peaceful manner. Example: "The crowd dispersed peacefully."
peacemaker (noun, countable): A person who brings about peace, especially by intervening in a dispute. This does have a plural: peacemakers.
peacemaking (noun, uncountable): The process of establishing peace.
So, while "peace" itself doesn't have a standard plural, it has related forms that function as adjectives, adverbs, and other nouns, some of which do have plural forms.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun (Uncountable):
Definition 1: A state of tranquility, harmony, and the absence of conflict or disturbance. It can refer to inner peace (within an individual) or external peace (between groups or nations).
Synonyms: serenity, tranquility, harmony, concord, amity, ceasefire, armistice
Antonyms: war, conflict, strife, discord, hostility, violence
Definition 2: A treaty or agreement that formally ends a war or other conflict.
Synonyms: truce, armistice, settlement, treaty, accord
Antonyms: war, hostilities, conflict
Adjective:
Definition: Characterized by or promoting peace; tranquil and free from disturbance.
Synonyms: peaceful, tranquil, serene, calm, harmonious, amicable, pacific
Antonyms: warlike, belligerent, hostile, disruptive, turbulent, chaotic
Verb (Less Common - To make peace):
Definition: To bring about peace; to reconcile conflicting parties. (This usage is less frequent than the noun or adjective forms.)
Synonyms: reconcile, mediate, conciliate, pacify, appease
Antonyms: incite, provoke, instigate, aggravate, escalate
Adverb (Derived from the adjective):
Definition: In a peaceful manner; without conflict or disturbance.
Synonyms: peacefully, calmly, tranquilly, serenely, harmoniously, amicably
Antonyms: violently, aggressively, disruptively, chaotically, turbulently
Examples of Use
Books:
"War and Peace" (Leo Tolstoy): A classic novel exploring the impact of war on individuals and families, contrasting it with periods of peace. (This is a title, but demonstrates the concept's prominence in literature.)
"A Separate Peace" (John Knowles): A coming-of-age novel set during World War II, exploring themes of friendship, guilt, and the search for inner peace. (Again, a title demonstrating the concept's literary significance.)
"The Little Book of Common Sense Investing" (John C. Bogle): While primarily about finance, Bogle often discusses the importance of a "peace of mind" that comes from sound financial planning. (This demonstrates use beyond direct conflict contexts.)
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"Calls for peace grow louder as the conflict enters its second year." (Hypothetical news headline - demonstrates common usage in reporting on conflicts). News outlets frequently report on peace talks, peace agreements, and peace protests.
"The peace process is fragile but remains the only hope for a lasting resolution." (Hypothetical news article excerpt - shows use in discussing ongoing efforts to establish peace.)
"Finding peace in a chaotic world" (Hypothetical article title - demonstrates use in lifestyle and self-help contexts, referring to inner peace).
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"Imagine" (John Lennon): A famous song with lyrics promoting world peace. (Demonstrates its use in music as a powerful theme.)
Many films and television shows depict conflicts and the yearning for peace, whether it's a historical drama, a science fiction story, or a contemporary narrative. (This is a broad category, but the theme is pervasive.)
Video games often feature storylines involving war and the pursuit of peace. (Again, a broad category, but the concept is often central to narratives).
General Public Discourse:
"Give peace a chance." (A common slogan used in peace movements and protests.)
"I just want some peace and quiet." (An everyday expression reflecting the desire for tranquility.)
"The importance of peace education in schools." (A topic frequently discussed in educational circles).
"World Peace Day" (An annual observance promoting peace).
These examples highlight the diverse ways "peace" is used, from grand concepts like international peace to more personal notions of inner peace and tranquility. It's a word with significant weight and broad applicability.
10 Famous Quotes Using Peace
"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." — Mother Teresa
"Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice." — Thomas Merton
"You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously." — J. Donald Walters
"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." — Unknown
"Peace begins with a smile." — Mother Teresa
"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." — Buddha
"The real and lasting victories are those of peace, and not of war." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." — Albert Einstein
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."— Jimi Hendrix
"An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind." — Mahatma Gandhi
Etymology
The word "peace" comes to us from Latin, specifically the word pax. Pax meant exactly what "peace" means in English: a state of tranquility, freedom from war or disturbance.
Before Latin, the trail gets a little fuzzy, but it's believed pax might be related to a Proto-Indo-European root, pag- or pak-, which roughly meant "to fasten" or "to bind." Think about it: a peace treaty "fastens" or "binds" two warring parties together in agreement. This connection, while not entirely certain, makes some intuitive sense.
So, the journey is something like this: Proto-Indo-European (maybe pag-/pak-) -> Latin (pax) -> Old French (pais) -> English (peace).
The first recorded use of the word "peace" in English (according to available records like the Oxford English Dictionary) appears to have been sometime in the 12th century. It entered the English language via Old French (pais) after the Norman Conquest. And, just like the Latin word pax, the earliest English uses of "peace" referred to a state of freedom from war or strife. The meaning has remained remarkably consistent over time.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Peace
Phrases (More literal, but common):
Peace of mind: A state of mental and emotional calm, free from worry.
Piece of the action: (Not directly related to "peace" the concept, but a common phrase) A share of a profitable enterprise.
Disturbing the peace: Creating a public disturbance.
Keeping the peace: Maintaining order and preventing violence.
Peace talks/negotiations: Discussions aimed at achieving peace.
A lasting peace: A peace agreement that endures over time.
Inner peace: A state of calm and tranquility within oneself.
World peace: The ideal of peace among all nations.
Make peace (with someone): To resolve a conflict or disagreement.
Live in peace: To exist without conflict or disturbance.
Idioms (Fewer, and often less common):
Peace offering: An act or gesture intended to restore friendly relations. (This is probably the closest to a true idiom).
Rest in peace (RIP): A common phrase used in condolences for the deceased.
Workarounds with Synonyms (to capture the spirit of an idiom):
Since "peace" itself is a bit light on idioms, we can sometimes use synonyms to express similar ideas in a more idiomatic way:
Instead of an idiom about making peace, you might use: "bury the hatchet," "kiss and make up," or "extend an olive branch." These are more traditional idioms that convey the same idea.
For idioms about inner peace, you might talk about: "finding your center," "being at ease," or "having a tranquil spirit."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of peace from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
