Definition

Adverb: 1. In a peaceful or peaceable manner; in a way that promotes or maintains peace. This is the primary and most common meaning. It describes an action done without conflict, aggression, or disturbance. 2. In a calm, tranquil, or placid manner. This meaning emphasizes a gentle, non-aggressive quality in behavior or atmosphere.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • The two leaders met pacifically to discuss the terms of the treaty.
  • She pacifically suggested a compromise to end the argument.
  • The protestors gathered pacifically in the park, holding signs and singing.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Formal Context: The word is often found in formal, legal, or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Its use can sound slightly archaic or very deliberate.
  • The agreement stated that the land would be held and enjoyed pacifically by the grantee.

Variants and Related Words

• Pacific (adjective): Peaceful in character or intent; tending to lessen conflict.
  • He had a pacific nature and avoided arguments.
• Pacify (verb): To bring peace to; to calm or soothe.
  • The mother tried to pacify her crying baby.
• Pacifist (noun): A person who believes that war and violence are unjustifiable.
  • She was a committed pacifist and refused to join the army.

Synonyms

• Peacefully
• Peaceably
• Amicably
• Harmoniously
• Placidly
• Tranquilly

Antonyms

• Aggressively
• Hostilely
• Belligerently
• Contentiously
• Violently

Notes on Meaning

• "Pacifically" vs. "Specifically": Be careful not to confuse pacifically (related to peace) with the common adverb specifically (meaning in a definite or precise manner). They are homophones (sound the same) but have completely different meanings and spellings.
• Regional Usage: In some informal contexts, primarily in the UK, "pacifically" is sometimes used humorously or as a malapropism for "specifically." However, in formal and correct usage, they are distinct words.

Adverb

1. in a peaceable manner
   • the tenant paying the rent hereby reserved and performing the several covenants herein on his part contained shall peaceably hold and enjoy the demised premises