Key Differences Between Peace and Piece
Interesting how two words that sound the so similar can have meanings entirely different to each other solely because of their spellings! Peace and piece are two of the most frequently confused words in English Language because they have the same pronunciation, “pees”. In other words, the words peace and piece are homophones.
To rectify this very common misconception, we’ve written this article on peace vs. piece. You must know their differences and learn when to use them. This article will be of great help if you can follow through!
What Is Peace?
Peace is a noun that carries two different meanings wrapped in one word. Firstly, peace refers to the absence of war or situational unrest. Secondly, the word can also depict the meaning of a state where one is content and calm.
Peace can only exist in the form of a noun, and no other part of speech. If we want to see the word peace in action, we can structure two different sentences to bring forth the two variety of the word’s meanings; such as, “Amidst World War II, there was no peace to be found anywhere”, here peace refers to a conflict-free time.
What Is Piece?
Now to ponder on the meaning of piece, we can start by stating that piece refers to a segment or cut out portion from a bigger substance. There is a very fascinating fun fact on ‘piece’ which will help you remember what the word means and thus, when to use it!
The word ‘piece’ contains the word ‘pie’ in it, and pies are always cut into pieces. Meaning, the phrase ‘a piece of pie’ is good enough to help you remember its spelling along with its meaning.
Unlike the word peace, piece can exist as a noun as well as a verb. When it is in the form of a noun, piece refers to a smaller chunk of a larger object that has been cut out from it.
As a verb, piece refers to assembling parts in order to form a whole object. The word piece, in certain scenarios, can also represent literary works, for instance, “The Starry Night is a gorgeous piece done by Vincent Van Gogh.”
Peace vs. Piece: An Overview
Let us now look at a few differences that contrast peace from piece!
Difference in meaning
To begin with, the word ‘peace’ is a noun which generally has two meanings of similar essence. One refers to a state of no war or conflict while the other meaning refers to calmness and tranquility.
On the other hand, the word ‘piece’ can be used both as a noun or a verb. When used as a noun, the word refers to a segment or chunk of something. In simple words, when something whole such as a pizza or a cake is cut into smaller portions, these cut parts are called pieces.
However, when used as a verb, ‘piece’ usually means to muster or build something from several parts, typically used in the form as “to piece together”.
Difference in Usage
For instance, the word ‘peace’ in the example “Let me be in peace!” makes reference to silence, or quietness. Furthermore, ‘piece’ is also often used as a noun to represent a creation of art, literature or music, for example, “The orchestra played a piece by Mozart”.
The table demonstrating the most important differences between peace and piece below will surely help you understand better!
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Comparison Table Between Peace And Piece
| Parameter of Comparison | Peace | Piece |
| Parts of Speech | Noun | Noun and Verb |
| Definition as a ‘Noun’ | The period of time when there is no conflict or disturbance. Tranquility, serenity. |
A section of a whole object which follows from cutting or slicing it. |
| Definition as a ‘Verb’
|
Peace is used only as a noun. | Putting something together to create a whole. |
| Dictionary Definition | ▪ “freedom from disturbance; tranquility.” | ▪ “to break apart into smaller parts”
▪ “assemble something from parts or pieces.” |
| Example as a ‘Noun’ | ▪ He found peace and happiness.
▪ After war comes peace. ▪ Palestinians have been looking for peace for years. |
▪ She wanted to have a piece of cake.
▪ The glass shattered into bits and pieces. ▪ The museum has a piece of Vincent van Gogh. |
| Example as a ‘Verb’ | Peace is used only as a noun. | ▪ The soldiers pieced their weapons before going to war.
▪ The police are still piecing together the evidences surrounding the murder. |
Conclusion
Funny how two words that sound identical to each other can have meanings so different, right?
Now, both of these words can be quite challenging to learn for a newcomer. But the definitions and the thorough examples mentioned in this article will surely propose a clear understanding of peace vs piece.
Apart from this, all you need is some practice and time until you are good to go!
