pacific
puh-SIH-fihk
Pacific (adj) means Calm and peaceful. Example: “She kept a pacific tone even as the argument grew heated.”
adj
1
Calm and peaceful.
"She kept a pacific tone even as the argument grew heated."
"The monk's pacific voice calmed the frightened children."
"A pacific smile spread across his face as the storm passed."
2
Naturally inclined toward peace and against conflict.
"His pacific temperament made him a natural mediator."
"She has a pacific nature and avoids quarrels whenever possible."
"The villagers were a pacific people who settled disputes by talking."
name
1
The Pacific Ocean, the largest ocean on Earth.
"They sailed across the Pacific from California to Hawaii."
How to use pacific
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCalm and peace-loving, or (capitalised) referring to the Pacific Ocean.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "pacific" (peaceful) with "specific" (particular, exact) — they sound similar but mean very different things.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more pacific
- Superlative
- most pacific
Fill the gap
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She kept a _____ tone even as the argument grew heated.
Etymology
From French "pacifique," ultimately from Latin roots meaning "peace-making."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for pacific
See all rhymes for pacific →Frequently asked questions
What does “pacific” mean?
The word “pacific” means calm and peaceful. In plain terms, calm and peace-loving, or (capitalised) referring to the Pacific Ocean.
How do you pronounce “pacific”?
“Pacific” is pronounced puh-SIH-fihk (/pəˈsɪfɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “pacific” in a sentence?
Here is “pacific” used in a sentence: “She kept a pacific tone even as the argument grew heated.”
What part of speech is “pacific”?
Depending on how it is used, “pacific” can be an adjective and a name.
Where does the word “pacific” come from?
The word “pacific” comes from Latin. From French "pacifique," ultimately from Latin roots meaning "peace-making.".
Is “pacific” a common word?
“Pacific” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pacific” have?
“Pacific” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: calm and peaceful.
What is the difference between pacific and specific?
They sound a little alike but are unrelated. "Pacific" means calm and peaceful, as in a pacific temperament. "Specific" means precise, particular, or clearly defined, as in specific instructions. The overlap is only in sound; mixing them up changes your meaning entirely, so keep "pacific" for peace and "specific" for detail.
What is the difference between 'Pacific' and 'pacific'?
Capitalised, "Pacific" is the proper name of the world's largest ocean, named by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan for its calm waters. Lower-case "pacific" is the ordinary adjective meaning peaceful or calm. They share a root — the ocean was literally named "peaceful" — but only the adjective describes a calm mood or manner.
Does 'pacific' mean peaceful?
Yes. "Pacific" describes something calm, peaceful, and free from conflict — a pacific gesture aims to soothe rather than provoke. It comes from Latin roots meaning "peace-making." The related verb "pacify" means to calm someone down, which helps you remember the peaceful sense of the adjective.
What is an example of 'pacific' in a sentence?
You might write, "She had a pacific nature and hated arguments," or "The leaders sought a pacific solution to the dispute." In both, "pacific" signals calm and a wish to avoid conflict. It often describes temperaments, intentions, or settlements that favour peace over confrontation.
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