peace

Universal Words noun 1 [U,sing.] a situation or a period of time in which there is no war or violence in a country or an area: war and peace * peace talks / negotiations * The negotiators are trying to make peace between the warring factions. * A UN force has been sent to keep the peace (= to prevent people from fighting). * After years of war, the people long for a lasting peace. * the Peace of Utrecht, 1713 (= the agreement ending the war) * The two communities live together in peace. * The countries have been at peace for more than a century. * the peace movement (= that tries to prevent war by protesting, persuading politicians, etc.) 2 [U] the state of being calm or quiet: She lay back and enjoyed the peace of the summer evening. * I would work better if I had some peace and quiet. * He just wants to be left in peace (= not to be disturbed). * I need to check that she is all right, just for my own peace of mind (= so that I do not have to worry). * He never felt really at peace with himself. * (law) They were charged with disturbing the peace (= behaving in a noisy and violent way). 3 [U] the state of living in friendship with sb without arguing: They simply can't seem to live in peace with each other. * She felt at peace with the world. seealsoBREACH, JUSTICEOFTHEPEACE IDIOMS hold your peace / tongue (old-fashioned) to remain silent although you would like to give your opinion make (your) peace with sb to end an argument with sb, usually by saying you are sorry: He made peace with his brother when their father was dying. moreatWICKEDn. ______________________________ WHICHWORD? peace / peacefulness The noun peace can be used to talk about a peaceful state or situation: world peace * I just need some peace and quiet. Peacefulness is not a common word. It means 'the quality of being peaceful'. ______________________________ \