What is peaceful? Pronunciation and usage in English

peaceful means . Learn how to pronounce and use peaceful through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of peaceful

peacefuladjective

/ˈpiːsf(ʊ)l/
Definition & pronunciation of peaceful

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "peaceful" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Most Accurate)

  • ˈpiːs.fəl

Let's break that down:

  • ˈpiːs: This is the most important part.
    • ˈ (This symbol is called a primary stress mark) - It indicates that the piːs part is emphasized.
    • piːs - Pronounce "pi" like the letter "p" followed by a long "ee" sound (as in "see"). Think of it as a short, clipped “pee”.
  • fəl: This is easy.
    • f - Like the letter "f".
    • əl - A very short, unstressed "uh" sound (like the "a" in "about") followed by an "l".

2. A Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Start with "pi": Say "pee" quickly and lightly (like "pee").
  2. Add the long "ee" sound: Extend that "pee" sound slightly, making it a longer "ee" sound – as in "see" or "meet."
  3. Say "s": Quickly say the letter "s".
  4. Add "ful": Say “ful” with a very short, unstressed “uh” sound followed by an “l”. It’s almost like you’re saying "fule" but the "u" is very quick and quiet.

3. Listen to Examples:

  • Google Search: The best way is to hear it! Search "how to pronounce peaceful" on Google and click the "Play" button next to a pronunciation guide.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/peaceful/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce peaceful" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

4. Common Mistakes:

  • Over-emphasizing the "ee" sound: It shouldn’t be a drawn-out, long "ee" sound. It’s a short, quick "ee" before the "s."
  • Saying "peaceful" like a single word: Remember to separate the "piːs" and "ful" parts.

To help me give you even more tailored guidance, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • What part of the pronunciation is giving you the most trouble?

Usage and examples with the word peaceful in English

Let's break down how to use the word "peaceful" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Core Meaning: Calm and Quiet

At its simplest, "peaceful" describes something lacking disturbance, noise, or conflict. It suggests a state of serenity and quietness.

  • Examples:
    • "The countryside was peaceful and quiet." (Describes a place)
    • "She had a peaceful afternoon reading a book." (Describes an activity and feeling)
    • "He tried to create a peaceful atmosphere in the room." (Describes an intention or action)

2. Describing a State of Being

"Peaceful" can also describe a feeling or state of mind.

  • Examples:
    • "She felt peaceful after meditating." (Describes an emotion)
    • "The thought of her family brought him a peaceful feeling." (Describes a mental state)
    • "Living in a small village, he experienced a peaceful existence." (Describes a lifestyle)

3. Describing Relationships & Interactions

It can be used to describe relationships that are harmonious and free from conflict.

  • Examples:
    • "They had a peaceful relationship, always respectful of each other." (Describes a relationship)
    • "The negotiations ended on a peaceful note." (Describes a process)

4. More Specific Uses

  • Peaceful protest/demonstration: A protest without violence. "The march was a peaceful demonstration."
  • Peaceful coexistence: Living together harmoniously, especially between different groups. “The agreement aimed for peaceful coexistence."
  • Peaceful sleep: A calm and undisturbed sleep. "He enjoyed a peaceful sleep."

Here's how to vary your use of "peaceful":

  • Adjective: This is the most common way to use it – to describe a noun. (e.g., “a peaceful environment”)
  • Adverb: You can sometimes use it as an adverb, though it's less common. (e.g., “He moved peacefully.”) However, "peacefully" often implies a gentle or quiet movement rather than a state of being.
  • Noun (rare): You can use "peace" as a noun, but it's a distinct word with a more complex meaning related to the absence of war. (e.g., “They worked for world peace.”)

Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Calm
  • Serene
  • Quiet
  • Tranquil
  • Relaxed
  • Harmonious
  • Unrestful (This is an antonym – the opposite of peaceful)

Resources for more examples and practice:

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Synonyms for the word peaceful

Practice with vocabulary peaceful

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The library provided a remarkably _______ atmosphere, ideal for deep concentration and study.
  2. Despite initial disagreements, the two departments reached an _______ resolution regarding the project timeline.
  3. After days of intense negotiations, the delegation hoped to achieve a _______ agreement that would benefit all parties.
  4. The remote mountain village offered a truly _______ escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words can describe a state of quiet and calm, or the absence of conflict? a) serene b) turbulent c) peaceful d) agitated e) tranquil

  2. To describe a person who is generally agreeable and avoids arguments, you might say they are: a) contentious b) quarrelsome c) amiable d) belligerent e) confrontational

  3. After the storm, the ocean's surface became remarkably: a) tumultuous b) chaotic c) calm d) undisturbed e) peaceful

  4. The team's efforts aimed at fostering a _______ working environment, where everyone felt respected and supported. a) harmonious b) divisive c) collaborative d) contentious e) discordant

  5. Which of the following words can characterize a quiet and undisturbed state, free from agitation or conflict? a) tumultuous b) agitated c) composed d) restful e) peaceful

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using "peaceful": Despite the challenging negotiations, both sides managed to achieve a resolution that avoided further conflict.

  2. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word (do not use "peaceful"): The sound of the flowing stream and the rustling leaves created an extremely calming atmosphere in the forest.

  3. Rewrite the sentence using "peaceful" or a related word form: The community thrives because its members work together without antagonism.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The library provided a remarkably peaceful atmosphere, ideal for deep concentration and study.
  2. Despite initial disagreements, the two departments reached an amicable resolution regarding the project timeline.
  3. After days of intense negotiations, the delegation hoped to achieve a peaceful agreement that would benefit all parties.
  4. The remote mountain village offered a truly tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) serene, c) peaceful, e) tranquil
  2. c) amiable
  3. c) calm, d) undisturbed, e) peaceful
  4. a) harmonious, c) collaborative
  5. c) composed, d) restful, e) peaceful

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Despite the challenging negotiations, both sides managed to achieve a peaceful resolution.
  2. The sound of the flowing stream and the rustling leaves created an extremely tranquil atmosphere in the forest.
  3. The community thrives due to the peaceful cooperation among its members.

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