Pacific
|Pa-cif-ic|
/pəˈsɪfɪk/
peaceful; relating to the Pacific Ocean
Etymology
'Pacific' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pacificus', where 'pax' (or the stem 'pac-') meant 'peace' and 'facere' meant 'to make'.
'Pacific' changed from Medieval Latin word 'pacificus' and Old French 'pacifique' and eventually became the modern English word 'Pacific'; the name was also adopted into Spanish as 'Pacífico' (Magellan named it 'Mar Pacífico' for its calm seas) before being used in English.
Initially, it meant 'peace-making' or 'peaceful'; over time it retained that adjectival sense and was also used as a proper name for the ocean (and hence for the region), giving rise to senses meaning 'relating to the Pacific Ocean'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the Pacific (Ocean), the largest of the Earth's oceans, lying between Asia and the Americas.
They sailed across the Pacific last summer.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a region comprising the islands and countries bordering the Pacific Ocean (e.g., the South Pacific).
Tourism in the Pacific is important to many island economies.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
not inclined to quarrel or make war; peaceful, conciliatory.
Her Pacific manner calmed the heated discussion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/04 15:45