'Peace' vs 'Piece': What's the Difference?

If you need to know the difference between 'peace' vs. 'piece,' you came to the right place.

Here is a quick answer in case you are in a rush: 

• 'Peace' is a noun or verb that means a state of tranquility or to be or become tranquil or calm. 
• 'Piece' is a noun or verb that means a part or portion to procure or put parts together to create a whole. 

These words are homophones, meaning they sound the same but have different definitions, uses, and spellings.

The best way to commit words like these to memory is through repetition. So, please read this entire guide.

What's the Difference Between 'Peace' vs. 'Piece?'

'Peace' and 'piece' are homophones with the same pronunciation, but their spellings, uses, and definitions differ.

When you use 'peace' as a noun, it means a state of calm or tranquility. As a verb, it means to be or become calm or peaceful.

On the other hand, the noun form of 'piece' means part of a whole, and the verb describes the action of finding parts or putting them together to create an entire object.

Definition of 'Peace': What Does 'Peace' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'peace' is a noun that means:

• A feeling or state of calm or tranquility
• Freedom from negative or oppressing thoughts and emotions
• Harmony in relationships
• A period or state of mutual concord between governments
• An agreement or pact to end hostilities between opposing parties in a war or conflict
• An interjection used to ask for silence or as a farewell or greeting

'Peace' is also a verb defined as:

• To be, keep, or become still and quiet

Synonyms of 'Peace'

• Tranquility
• Calm
• Shalom
• Peacefulness
• Amity
• Passification
• Serenity
• Ordre
• Stability

Definition of 'Piece': What Does 'Piece' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'peace' is a noun defined as:

• A fragment
• Part of a whole
• An allocation or portion
• An individual or object regarded as part of a class or kind
• An unspecified distance
• A standard weight, size, or length
• A journalistic, literary, musical, or dramatic work
• Firearm
• Coin
• A movable object one uses to represent oneself in a game
• Instance or example
• An opinion or view

'Piece' is also a verb defined as:

• To renew, repair, or complete by combining pieces or parts
• To join parts together to make a whole

Synonyms of 'Piece'

• Bit
• Fragment
• Component
• Part
• Portion
• Sliver
• Slice
• Shard
• Segment
• Shred
• Flake
• Fleck
• Snippet
• Clip
• Clipping
• Chip
• Particle
• Nugget
• Remainder
• Morsel
• Atom
• Snip
• Paring
• Tittle
• Shatter
• Stub
• Grain
• Speck

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Peace' vs. 'Piece'

As I mentioned earlier, 'peace' and 'piece' are homophones. So, they are pronounced the same.

Here is a pronunciation guide you can reference.

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'peace':

pēs

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'piece':

pēs

Writing Tips: How to Use 'Peace' vs. 'Piece'

As a professional freelance writer, it is not enough to know the definition of words you use. You also need to understand how and why to use one vs. the other. So, here are some writing tips to help you:

• Use 'peace' when referring to a calm feeling.

For example, you could say:

After a stressful day at work, I desperately wanted to relax. Luckily, when I got home a feeling of peace washed over me. 

• Use 'piece' when referring to part of a whole.

As an example, I might say:

I can't believe that we completed the eentire puzzle before realizing there is a missing piece. 

Or:

Can you cut me anothere piece of pie? 

• Use 'peace' to wish someone tranquility.

For example, you could say:

My favorite part of going to church is offering peace to the people around me. 

• Use 'piece' as a verb to say that you are locating parts of a complete project.

As an example, you might hear someone say:

We don't have everything we need yet, but we will piece it together quickly.

• Use 'peace' as a verb for entering or maintaining a state of peace.

So, you could say:

During the summer, I like to peace out under the stars with my two best friends. 

Sample Sentences Using 'Peace' and 'Piece'

Now that you know how these terms differ, read the sample sentences below using each. Reading them should help to ensure that you know and remember how to use 'peace' vs. 'piece.'

Peace

• Meditating is one of the easiest and most effective ways to find internal peace.
• Peace be with you during these challenging times. The chaos is only temporary. Soon you can return to your normal tranquil state.
• Shalom is a Hebrew word that is often translated as peace. However, if you ask my ninety-year-old grandfather, it is much more.
• If you are truly interested in peace, you will have to make some changes.

Piece

• Do you need a piece of fabric to finish your project?
• I have been all over town searching for the last piece in the 21st series.
• Is the cake already gone? I didn't even get a piece.

Peace/Piece

• I often think about buying a piece of property in the middle of nowhere where I can go for peace and relaxation.
• After they piece everything together, they will feel more peace.

Final Review: 'Peace' vs. 'Piece'

After reviewing so much information, reviewing what you learned is a good idea. So, here is a recap of the difference between 'peace' vs. 'piece':

• 'Peace' is a noun or verb that means a state of calmness or tranquility or to be or become calm or tranquil. 
• 'Piece' is also a noun or verb; however, it means a part of a whole, acquiring parts, or putting them together to create a whole object. 

If you ever need a reminder of which spelling to use, you can always return to this lesson for a quick review.

You can also improve your grammar and writing skills by verifying the meanings of other words using the guides here.

Plus, dozens of other informative guides help you create eye-catching pitches, write outlines for various writing projects, and land high-paying writing jobs you love.

So, check them out before you go!

Related posts:

‘Emasculate’ or ‘Demasculate’: What’s the Difference? 'Boarders’ or ‘Borders’: What’s the Difference? ‘Pre’ vs ‘Post’: What’s the Difference? ‘Dateline’ vs ‘Deadline’: What’s the Difference? ‘Interested In’ or ‘Interested On’: What’s the Difference ‘Yourself’ vs. ‘Your Self’: What’s the Difference? ‘Complaint’ vs. ‘Complain’: What’s the Difference? ‘Theirselves’ vs ‘Themselves’: What’s the Difference? ‘Feel’ or ‘Felt’: What’s the Difference? ‘Business's or Business' or Businesses': What's the Difference?