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peace

a state of freedom from war, conflict, or disturbance

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Where does the word "peace" come from? It comes from Latin pax, passing through Old French before entering English (1100s).

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Where does the word "peace" come from? It comes from Latin pax, passing through Old French before entering English (1100s).

Peace’s story begins in Latin: pax meant “peace.” Peace, freedom from war or conflict. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as pais. Carried into French for a state of calm and freedom from conflict. It reached English by 1100s as peace. Settled as the English word for freedom from war or disturbance. Today, peace means a state of freedom from war, conflict, or disturbance.

  1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient pax "peace", peace, freedom from war or conflict.
  2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval pais "a state free from conflict", carried into French for a state of calm and freedom from conflict.
  3. Stage 3 · English · 1100s peace "freedom from war, conflict, or disturbance", settled as the English word for freedom from war or disturbance.

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