peaceful

/ˈpiːsfl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈpiːsfl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpēs-fəl/ (ame, mw)

peaceful — adjective

1. with no fighting, war, or violent trouble

1.形容詞B2
釋義

with no fighting, war, or violent trouble

例句

The march stayed peaceful even when hundreds filled the city square.

stay peaceful during a public event

Both sides agreed to a peaceful transfer of power after the vote.

collocation: peaceful transfer of power

同義詞
  • non-violent

    directly stresses the absence of physical force or harm

  • stable

    suggests order and no serious trouble, but not always the idea of peace

  • orderly

    focuses more on control and good behavior in a group

反義詞
  • violent

    the direct opposite, stressing physical force or harm

  • hostile

    stresses anger or opposition, even before violence begins

  • troubled

    broader, suggesting continuing problems or unrest

文法句型

a peaceful protest

remain peaceful

a peaceful election

用法筆記

Common with protests, elections, borders, and transfers of power. Distinguish from adjective/2, which is about quiet or relaxing places, times, and feelings.

常見錯誤

❌We want a calm election.
✅We want a peaceful election.
💡calm usually describes a feeling or atmosphere; peaceful is the usual word when stressing no violence or conflict.

2. quiet, still, and free from worry or noise

2.形容詞B1
釋義

quiet, still, and free from worry or noise

例句

We found a peaceful beach far from the busy night market.

collocation: peaceful beach

After the baby fell asleep, the whole apartment felt peaceful.

feel peaceful after linking verb

同義詞
  • calm

    broader and common for feelings, weather, voices, and situations

  • quiet

    focuses more directly on little sound

  • tranquil

    more literary and often used for natural scenes

  • serene

    more literary and often suggests gentle beauty as well as calm

反義詞
  • noisy

    stresses a lot of sound

  • tense

    suggests nervous pressure instead of ease

  • restless

    suggests constant movement or inability to settle

文法句型

a peaceful beach

feel peaceful

look peaceful

用法筆記

Usually describes places, times, sleep, or facial expressions rather than public events. Distinguish from adjective/3, which describes people or groups that prefer harmony.

常見錯誤

❌The peaceful class made the teacher happy.
✅The quiet class made the teacher happy.
💡peaceful usually suggests a relaxing atmosphere, not simply low volume in one room.

3. wanting people to get along and choosing not to fight or argue

3.形容詞C1
釋義

wanting people to get along and choosing not to fight or argue

例句

Nadia is peaceful by nature and hates shouting at anyone.

peaceful by nature

The group stayed peaceful, even after strangers mocked their signs.

stay peaceful under pressure

同義詞
  • peace-loving

    very close in meaning and directly stresses preference for harmony

  • gentle

    broader and often focuses on soft behavior rather than views about conflict

  • non-aggressive

    more formal and stresses not attacking others

  • conciliatory

    more formal and suggests trying to end disagreement

反義詞
  • aggressive

    ready to attack, push, or fight

  • quarrelsome

    ready to argue often

  • warlike

    stronger and often used for nations or attitudes that favor fighting

文法句型

a peaceful person

peaceful by nature

peaceful beliefs

用法筆記

Mostly used for people, groups, beliefs, or aims. Distinguish from adjective/1, which describes situations with no violence, and adjective/2, which describes a quiet feeling or scene.

常見錯誤

❌The lake is peaceful because it does not like conflict.
✅The lake is peaceful because it is quiet.
💡only people, groups, or beliefs can actively prefer peace.