Peaceably
We should do it peacefully.
We should do it peaceably.
Is there any difference in meaning between the sentences above?
Top answer
The first is a common mistake for the second, so common that it has become the norm. The first is possible in the literal meaning of "peacefully", but it is hard to see what the sentence might mean. You can sleep peacefully, but doing requires voluntary action, which is not especially peaceful in and of itself.
- The first is a common mistake for the second, so common that it has become the norm.
- The first is possible in the literal meaning of "peacefully", but it is hard to see what the sentence might mean.
- You can sleep peacefully, but doing requires voluntary action, which is not especially peaceful in and of itself.
- "Peaceful" as an exact synonym of "peaceable" is unexceptionable as an adjective, but the adverb takes it somewhere else to my ear.
- Anyway, few people have "peaceable" in their active vocabulary in any form, so they just use "peaceful" in its place at all times.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
The first is a common mistake for the second, so common that it has become the norm. The first is possible in the literal meaning of "peacefully", but it is hard to see what the sentence might mean. You can sleep peacefully, but doing requires voluntary action, which is not especially peaceful in and of itself. "Peaceful" as an exact synonym of "peaceable" is unexceptionable as an adjective, b
0
Related Questions