Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Disposed to peace or of a peaceful nature: Describes a person, group, or nation that prefers to avoid conflict, violence, or disturbance and seeks to maintain harmony.
   • Not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war: Describes a state, period, or situation that is calm, tranquil, and free from conflict or disorder.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a person's character or behavior:
  • She is a quiet and peaceable person who avoids arguments.
  • The community leaders urged everyone to be peaceable during the negotiations.
• Describing a state, time, or manner:
  • The protest remained peaceable and orderly.
  • After the treaty was signed, a peaceable era began.
  • He resolved the dispute in a peaceable manner.

Advanced Usage

• "Peaceable spirit": A mindset or attitude that is inclined toward peace and reconciliation.
  • Despite their differences, they approached the discussion in a peaceable spirit.
• "Peaceable assembly": A gathering of people for a common purpose in a non-violent, orderly way, often protected as a legal right.
  • The constitution guarantees the right to peaceable assembly.

Variants and Related Words

• Peaceably (adverb): In a peaceable manner.
  • The crowd dispersed peaceably.
• Peaceableness (noun): The quality or state of being peaceable.
  • His natural peaceableness made him an excellent mediator.

Synonyms

• Pacifistic: Opposed to war or violence as a means of settling disputes.
• Nonviolent: Using peaceful means, not involving force.
• Conciliatory: Intended or likely to placate or reconcile.
• Amicable: Having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement.

Antonyms

• Belligerent: Hostile and aggressive.
• Warlike: Disposed towards or eager for war.
• Contentious: Causing or likely to cause an argument; quarrelsome.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Live in peaceable coexistence": To live together in harmony despite differences.
  • The two communities learned to live in peaceable coexistence.
• "Keep the peace": To maintain public order and prevent conflict. (Note: This phrase uses "peace," not "peaceable," but is conceptually related.)
  • The police were called to keep the peace.

Adjective

1. disposed to peace or of a peaceful nature
   • the pacific temper seeks to settle disputes on grounds of justice rather than by force
   • a quiet and peaceable person
   • in a peaceable and orderly manner
2. not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
   • a peaceful nation
   • peaceful times
   • a far from peaceful Christmas
   • peaceful sleep
3. inclined or disposed to peace
   • they met in a peaceable spirit
   • peace-loving citizens