WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
peace•ful /ˈpisfəl/USA pronunciation
adj. peaceable;
not willing or eager to fight:a peaceful man.
peace•ful•ly, adv.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- free from war or fighting:a peaceful decade.
not willing or eager to fight:a peaceful man.
peace•ful
(pēs′fəl),USA pronunciation adj.
peace′ful•ly, adv.
peace′ful•ness, n.
- characterized by peace;
free from war, strife, commotion, violence, or disorder:a peaceful reign; a peaceful demonstration. - of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a state or time of peace.
- peaceable;
not argumentative, quarrelsome, or hostile:a peaceful disposition.
- Middle English pesful. See peace, -ful 1250–1300
peace′ful•ness, n.
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged Peaceful, placid, serene, tranquil refer to what is characterized by lack of strife or agitation. Peaceful today is rarely applied to persons; it refers to situations, scenes, and activities free of disturbances or, occasionally, of warfare:a peaceful life.Placid, serene, tranquil are used mainly of persons; when used of things (usually elements of nature) there is a touch of personification. Placid suggests an unruffled calm that verges on complacency:a placid disposition; a placid stream.Serene is a somewhat nobler word; when used of persons it suggests dignity, composure, and graciousness:a serene old man;
when applied to nature there is a suggestion of mellowness:the serene landscapes of autumn.Tranquil implies a command of emotions, often because of strong faith, which keeps one unagitated even in the midst of excitement or danger.