Peak vs Peek vs Pique
What’s the difference between them?
Peak
Meaning:
The highest point, level, or degree.
Examples:
1. She reached the peak of Mount Everest in record time.
2. The peak of the mountain was covered in snow.
3. The store was at its peak in the late 1990s.
Peek
Meaning:
To take a brief, quick look at something.
Examples:
1. I caught a quick peek of the sunset before it disappeared.
2. She peeked out from behind the curtain to see if anyone was coming.
3. I couldn't help but peek at the present before my birthday.
Pique
Meaning:
Pique is a feeling of annoyance or excitement.
Examples:
1. She was so intrigued by the mystery that it piqued her curiosity.
2. His pique at the perceived slight was evident in his reaction.
3. His comments piqued my interest in the subject.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Peak
Summit
pinnacle
minimum
Peek
Glance
peep
don't look
Pique
Irritate
provoke
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Peak", "Peek", "Pique".
1. Remember the phrase 'to take a peek' - this is when you take a look at something, quickly and often without someone noticing.
2. A peak is the highest point, usually of a mountain. Remember the phrase 'to reach a peak.'
3. Pique is a feeling of irritation or resentment caused by a perceived insult or disregard.
4. Try to substitute words with synonyms. If the sentence still makes sense, you use the correct word and vice versa.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word?
The word 'peak' is used as a noun to refer to the highest point of something, such as a mountain or a graph. It can also be used as a verb to indicate that something is at its highest point or level. For example, 'The stock market has peaked.'
When to use the second word?
The word 'peek' is used as a verb to describe the action of taking a quick look at something. For example, 'I had a peek at the test before the teacher handed it out.'
When to use the third word?
The word 'pique' is used as a verb to describe the feeling of being annoyed or offended. For example, 'His comments about my work really piqued my interest.'
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
All three words have similar pronunciation /pi:k/, so you have pay attention to the context to use the correct word.
What are common mistakes associated with words?
Common mistakes associated with these words include using 'peak' when one means to use 'peek' or 'pique,' and using 'peek' or 'pique' when one means to use 'peak.'
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Did you take a _________ at the new menu?
2. We couldnt keep up with the ___________ demand for the product.
3. She felt a sudden ___________ of curiosity and wanted to learn more.
4. We hired extra staff at the ___________ of the summer season.
5. The ___________ of the mountain was covered in snow.
6. She took a quick __________ at the magazine.
7. His speech didnt ___________ the audiences interest.
8. Her ___________ performance broke all the records.
9. He couldnt take a ___________ at the document, as it was confidential.
1. Did you take a peek at the new menu?
Explanation: To take a quick look at something.
2. We couldnt keep up with the peak demand for the product.
Explanation: The maximum level of something.
3. She felt a sudden pique of curiosity and wanted to learn more.
Explanation: To create an interest in something.
4. We hired extra staff at the peak of the summer season.
Explanation: The maximum level of something.
5. The peak of the mountain was covered in snow.
Explanation: The highest point of something.
6. She took a quick peek at the magazine.
Explanation: To take a quick look at something.
7. His speech didnt pique the audiences interest.
Explanation: To create an interest in something.
8. Her peak performance broke all the records.
Explanation: The maximum level of something.
9. He couldnt take a peek at the document, as it was confidential.
Explanation: To take a quick look at something.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.