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Definition of peaceful - 3 dictionary results

peace⋅ful

[pees-fuhl]
–adjective
1. characterized by peace; free from war, strife, commotion, violence, or disorder: a peaceful reign; a peaceful demonstration.
2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a state or time of peace.
3. peaceable; not argumentative, quarrelsome, or hostile: a peaceful disposition.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME pesful. See peace, -ful


peace⋅ful⋅ly, adverb
peace⋅ful⋅ness, noun


1. Peaceful, placid, serene, tranquil refer to what is characterized by lack of strife or agitation. Peaceful today is rarely applied to persons; it refers to situations, scenes, and activities free of disturbances or, occasionally, of warfare: a peaceful life. Placid, serene, tranquil are used mainly of persons; when used of things (usually elements of nature) there is a touch of personification. Placid suggests an unruffled calm that verges on complacency: a placid disposition; a placid stream. Serene is a somewhat nobler word; when used of persons it suggests dignity, composure, and graciousness: a serene old man; when applied to nature there is a suggestion of mellowness: the serene landscapes of autumn. Tranquil implies a command of emotions, often because of strong faith, which keeps one unagitated even in the midst of excitement or danger.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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peace·ful   (pēs'fəl)   
adj.  
  1. Undisturbed by strife, turmoil, or disagreement; tranquil. See Synonyms at calm.

  2. Inclined or disposed to peace; peaceable.

  3. Of or characteristic of a condition of peace.

peace'ful·ly adv., peace'ful·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

peaceful 
c.1300, "inclined to peace, friendly," from peace (q.v.). Meaning "tranquil, calm" is from c.1340. In ref. to nonviolent methods of effecting social change, it is attested from 1876. Peaceful coexistence (1920) originally was in regard to Soviet policy toward the capitalist West.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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