Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Definition of peaceful - 2 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.
Cite This Source Link To peaceful
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.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see peaceful on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: