pacific

adjective

pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsi-fik 

1

a

: tending to lessen conflict : conciliatory

b

: rejecting the use of force as an instrument of policy

2

a

: having a soothing appearance or effect

mild pacific breezes

b

: mild of temper : peaceable

3

capitalized : of, relating to, bordering on, or situated near the Pacific Ocean

pacifically

pə-ˈsi-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• appeasing
• conciliating
• conciliatory
• disarming
• mollifying
• pacifying
• peacemaking
• placating
• placatory
• propitiatory

Examples of pacific in a Sentence

as a pacific gesture, we invited our feuding neighbors to our backyard barbecue

a pacific nation that has managed to remain neutral even during times of world conflict

Recent Examples on the Web

Because roughly half the population there are Seventh-Day Adventists, and their interpretation of the Bible in regards to eating animals is a pacific one. —Danny Palumbo / The Takeout, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024

Mexico's pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which will occur at about 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024

Reports of her arrival in Nevada surfaced around noon pacific time. —Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2024

But in the best, most generative rivalries, pacific emotions eventually prevail. —Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pacifique, from Latin pacificus, from pac-, pax peace + -i- + -ficus -fic — more at pact

First Known Use

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

pacific

adjective

pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsif-ik 

1

: tending to lessen or avoid fights or disagreements

2

: having a peaceful nature

pacifically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb