— peacefully , adv. — peacefulness , n.
/pees"feuhl/ , adj.
1. characterized by peace; free from war, strife, commotion, violence, or disorder: a peaceful reign; a peaceful demonstration.
2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a state or time of peace.
3. peaceable; not argumentative, quarrelsome, or hostile: a peaceful disposition.
[ 1250-1300; ME pesful. See PEACE, -FUL ]
Syn. 1. PEACEFUL, PLACID, SERENE, TRANQUIL refer to what is characterized by lack of strife or agitation. PEACEFUL today is rarely applied to persons; it refers to situations, scenes, and activities free of disturbances or, occasionally, of warfare: a peaceful life. PLACID, SERENE, TRANQUIL are used mainly of persons; when used of things (usually elements of nature) there is a touch of personification. PLACID suggests an unruffled calm that verges on complacency: a placid disposition; a placid stream.
SERENE is a somewhat nobler word; when used of persons it suggests dignity, composure, and graciousness: a serene old man; when applied to nature there is a suggestion of mellowness: the serene landscapes of autumn. TRANQUIL implies a command of emotions, often because of strong faith, which keeps one unagitated even in the midst of excitement or danger.