peaceful

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'peaceful' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a calm and tranquil atmosphere, for example "The peaceful lake was the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution.

The Guardian

The loyalist institution appealed for a peaceful response to the decision: "Any violence will only undermine our cause.

The Guardian

The letter to protesters, which was sent on Friday, said the university's response has so far been "reasonable and proportionate" and that it still hoped for a peaceful resolution and discussions.

The Guardian

"The house just felt so much calmer and more peaceful," she says.

The Guardian

"It is deeply concerning that the University of Birmingham have chosen to respond in such a draconian manner to a [previous] peaceful protest," she said.

The Guardian

Tigmi, 15 miles from the city, is a peaceful complex of tastefully converted village houses surrounding courtyards.

The Guardian - Travel

Trimble was tripped up by a Freudian slip during his speech to 860 delegates when he said he was giving Sinn Fein 'three years' to prove they were totally committed to peaceful means.

The Guardian

I'm a Chilham man myself; there's no more peaceful spot in the nation than this hilltop village's square, birdsong tooting, surrounded by black-and-white cottages, orchards and oasts.

The Guardian - Money

María, a well-dressed middle-aged lady who spoke freely once assured of anonymity, also described considerable nervousness at the "peaceful end of the business".

The Guardian

Despite the peaceful nature of their actions, the simple act of protesting means that activists' lives sometimes resemble that of Tony Soprano.

The Guardian - Opinion

The passports of many peaceful activists were confiscated.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "peaceful" to describe environments, situations, or interactions characterized by the absence of conflict and a sense of calm. It is particularly effective in settings where tranquility is valued or unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "peaceful" ironically in contexts saturated with violence or conflict, as it can create dissonance and undermine the intended message. For example, describing a war zone as "peaceful" would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "peaceful" primarily functions as a descriptive word, modifying nouns to indicate a state of tranquility, absence of conflict, or a disposition towards non-violence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "peaceful" is a versatile adjective frequently used to describe conditions, environments, or actions characterized by tranquility and an absence of conflict. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. The adjective is most commonly found in news and media sources. When writing, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding ironic or inappropriate usage in situations where violence or conflict are prominent. Consider synonyms like "tranquil" or "serene" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tranquil

Focuses on a serene and calm atmosphere.

serene

Emphasizes a state of calmness and untroubledness.

calm

Highlights the absence of disturbance or excitement.

placid

Implies a quiet and undisturbed nature, often referring to places or situations.

harmonious

Suggests a state of agreement and concord.

amicable

Focuses on friendliness and absence of discord in relationships.

undisturbed

Highlights the lack of interruption or disruption.

unruffled

Emphasizes a state of composure and not being agitated.

quiet

Highlights the absence of noise or disturbance.

restful

Focuses on providing a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

FAQs

How can I use "peaceful" in a sentence?

You can use "peaceful" to describe a situation without conflict, like "The countryside offered a "peaceful" retreat from the city's noise" or a person's disposition, such as "She was known for her "peaceful" nature".

What are some synonyms for "peaceful"?

Alternatives to "peaceful" include "tranquil", "serene", "calm", or "placid", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "peaceful protest"?

Yes, "peaceful protest" is a common and acceptable phrase used to describe a demonstration or gathering conducted without violence or disorder. It emphasizes the non-violent nature of the demonstration.

What's the difference between "peaceful" and "peaceable"?

"Peaceful" describes a state of tranquility or absence of conflict, while "peaceable" describes a person's inclination towards peace and avoidance of conflict. A "peaceful" environment might exist because of "peaceable" people.