What does pax mean?
Pax is a formal word for peace, particularly a peace treaty or an agreement intended to end a conflict. It can also refer more broadly to a settled state of peaceful relations, though this use sounds literary or ceremonious rather than conversational. In ancient Roman religion, Pax was the personification of peace, and the expression Pax Romana names the long period of relative stability and expansion within the Roman Empire. The word is pronounced like the ordinary English word “pax,” with the vowel of “cat.” Although “pact” may sometimes be used where “pax” would seem appropriate, the two differ: a pact is any formal agreement, while a pax specifically emphasizes peace or the end of hostilities. Paces is the uncommon standard plural.
A formal agreement or treaty intended to establish or preserve peace.
"The government announced that the pax had been signed by both delegations."
Formal and relatively uncommon; especially associated with political, legal, and historical writing.
The Roman goddess of peace.
"The coin depicts Pax holding a cornucopia."
A proper noun and normally capitalized when referring to the goddess.
The plural is uncommon; “pax” is often used in a fixed or ceremonious construction.
"The archive records several formal paxes between rival councils."
Pax gives its name to the Pax Romana, the celebrated period of relative peace across the Roman Empire.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pax
The English word comes from Latin pax, meaning “peace,” and was used in Latin texts for a state of peace and for a treaty or agreement establishing it. The name was also given to the Roman goddess of peace, whose personification became a prominent subject in Roman political and religious imagery. Its wider family includes words such as peace, pacify, and pacific, all associated with the Latin vocabulary of peace.
Related word forms
How pax is actually used
The word is formal, literary, or historical in ordinary English. It is especially associated with treaty terminology and Roman history; as the goddess's name, it is normally capitalized.
Easily confused with pax
A pax is a peace settlement or state of peace, whereas a pact is an agreement between parties, which may or may not concern peace.