Peak vs. Peek: What's the Difference?
Peak and peek are common English words that often cause confusion due to their identical pronunciation. Peak refers to the highest point or summit, typically of a mountain or as a metaphor for the highest level of achievement. Peek is a verb that means to glance or look quickly, especially through a narrow opening or from a hidden place. Understanding the context in which each word is used ensures clear and accurate communication.
How do you use the word peak in a sentence?
Use the word peak as a noun to denote the highest point or maximum level of something. It conveys a sense of reaching the very top, be it a physical location like a mountain or a metaphorical level such as peak performance. Peak can also be used as a verb to describe something reaching its highest or most important state.
Examples of peak in a sentence
- The mountaineers celebrated as they reached the peak of the highest mountain in the range.
- During the 1980s, the artist's career hit its peak, with numerous chart-topping hits.
- Demand for the product peaked during the holiday season, resulting in record-breaking sales.
How do you use the word peek in a sentence?
The word peek is most commonly used as a verb to describe a quick or secret look at something without being seen. It suggests a brief or subtle action, like glancing through a keyhole or opening a door slightly to look inside. Peek can convey curiosity or caution when trying to view something discreetly.
Examples of peek in a sentence
- The children couldn't resist a peek at the presents hidden under the Christmas tree.
- She peeked through the curtains to see if the guests had arrived.
- Curious about the noise, he took a quick peek outside to investigate the commotion.
Peak and peek definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Peak definition:
As a noun, peak signifies the pointed top of a mountain or any similar highest point. As a verb, to peak means to reach a maximum in capacity, value, or activity.
Peak parts of speech:
Peak pronunciation:
The word peak is pronounced as /piːk/, rhyming with the words 'seek' and 'meek'.
Peek definition:
Peek, a verb, means to look at something quickly and furtively, often from a concealed location.
Peek parts of speech:
Peek pronunciation:
The verb peek is pronounced /piːk/, identical to peak, and is a homophone of 'pique'.
As a noun, peak signifies the pointed top of a mountain or any similar highest point. As a verb, to peak means to reach a maximum in capacity, value, or activity.
Peak parts of speech:
- Noun: The peak of the hill offered a stunning view of the sunset.
- Verb: Interest in the television show peaked during the season finale.
Peak pronunciation:
The word peak is pronounced as /piːk/, rhyming with the words 'seek' and 'meek'.
Peek definition:
Peek, a verb, means to look at something quickly and furtively, often from a concealed location.
Peek parts of speech:
- Verb: She peeked in the oven to see if the cookies were done without letting all the heat escape.
- Verb (informal): He will peek into the daily operations to better understand the challenges faced by the team.
Peek pronunciation:
The verb peek is pronounced /piːk/, identical to peak, and is a homophone of 'pique'.
Peak vs. peek in a nutshell
Peak is used to denote the highest point, either literally or figuratively, and can function as both a noun and a verb. Peek relates to the act of looking quickly and often secretly at something, serving primarily as a verb. Understanding peak as an apex and peek as a stealthy glance helps to differentiate their meanings despite their similar pronunciation.
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