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

Choose between two rich colors: pacific blue or yarrow gold. —Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2024

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

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