What does peace mean?
Peace is the English word for a state in which conflict, hostility, or serious disturbance is absent. It can describe an international condition, as in world peace, or a personal sense of calm and emotional security, as in peace of mind. In political language, a peace may also be a formal agreement that ends or suspends a war or dispute. The word is usually uncountable, although a countable use meaning a particular peace settlement is possible in formal contexts. Peace is not simply the opposite of noise or activity: it carries the stronger idea of safety, agreement, and the absence of violence. In everyday conversation, it can describe domestic harmony, such as making peace with a relative, or a settled atmosphere, such as a house being peaceful. As a verb, peace is comparatively uncommon and usually means to bring people or circumstances into a state of calm, especially through reconciliation or diplomacy. Its long history and related words such as pacify, pacific, and appease show that it is associated both with the absence of conflict and with the active work of creating it.
The absence of war, hostility, or serious disturbance; a state of calm, security, or harmony. It may also refer to a formal agreement that ends a conflict.
"The negotiations finally produced a lasting peace."
The general sense is usually uncountable: “peace,” “a state of peace,” or “at peace.” Countable uses referring to distinct settlements are more formal and uncommon.
To bring people, a situation, or a place into a state of peace or calm; to reconcile or settle.
"The mediator worked to peace the opposing factions."
This use is relatively rare and sounds formal or literary; pacify or calm is more common in everyday English.
Usually uncountable for the general condition of peace. The plural is used in formal contexts for distinct states or agreements of peace.
"The two governments have negotiated separate peaces despite decades of conflict."
The Latin root of peace, pax, also lives in words such as pacify and appease: peace is something people negotiate, restore, and even seek to make.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peace come from?
Peace entered Middle English through the Anglo-French word pais, from Latin pax, meaning “peace” or “accord.” Latin also had pacare, “to make peace,” which developed into English words such as pacify and appease. The same Latin family gave rise to pacific and pacifist, while pax remains the familiar Latin word for peace.
Related word forms
How peace is actually used
Peace is usually uncountable when referring to the general condition of being without conflict or disturbance. Countable uses, such as a negotiated peace or separate peaces, are more formal and less common. As a verb, peace is relatively uncommon and sounds formal or literary; in everyday speech, people more often say pacify or settle.
Easily confused with peace
A peace is a state of calm or an absence of conflict, whereas a piece is a separate portion or part of something.