pacific

adjective

pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce pacific (audio)
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for pacific 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacific was circa 1548

Dictionary Entries Near pacific

Cite this Entry

“Pacific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacific. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pacific

adjective
pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsif-ik How to pronounce pacific (audio)
1
: tending to lessen or avoid fights or disagreements
2
: having a peaceful nature
pacifically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pacific

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