pacific

pa·cif·ic

adj \pə-ˈsi-fik\

Definition of PACIFIC

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

— pa·cif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of PACIFIC

1. <as a pacific gesture, we invited our feuding neighbors to our backyard barbecue>
2. <a pacific nation that has managed to remain neutral even during times of world conflict>

Origin of PACIFIC

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

First Known Use: circa 1548

Related to PACIFIC

Synonyms: appeasing, conciliating, conciliatory, disarming, mollifying, pacifying, peacemaking, placating, placatory, propitiatory

Antonyms: antagonizing

Related Words: endearing, ingratiating, winning, winsome; peaceable, peaceful; nonbelligerent, unaggressive, unassertive; calming, comforting, lulling, quieting, relaxing, soothing, tranquilizing (also tranquillizing); obliging, satisfying; affable, agreeable, amiable, amicable, benevolent, genial, gentle, good-natured, good-tempered, kind, kindly; passive, submissive, surrendering, yielding

Near Antonyms: abrasive, aggravating, annoying, chafing, exasperating, frustrating, galling, inflammatory, irksome, irritating, maddening, nagging, nettlesome, nettling, offensive, provocative, provoking, rankling, riling, vexing; engaging, incensing, infuriating, maddening; antagonistic, antipathetic, hostile, inhospitable, inimical, unfriendly, unsympathetic; aggressive, agonistic, argumentative, assertive, bellicose, belligerent, combative, confrontational, contentious, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent; martial, militant, militaristic, military, warlike

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Rhymes with PACIFIC

calcific, febrific, horrific, magnific, prolific, salvific, specific, terrific, vivific