Word
pacifist
Phoneticspaci·fist
US/ˈpæsɪfɪst/
UK/pˈæsɪfˌɪst/
Countable noun
Definition
n. someone who believes that war and violence are always wrong. A person like this refuses to fight or use force to solve problems.
n. a person who holds the belief that war and violence are unjustifiable and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means.
Examples
“He is a lifelong pacifist who refuses to join the army.”
“During the conflict, many pacifists were imprisoned for refusing to participate in the mandatory military draft.”
“The philosopher's transition from a soldier to a committed pacifist was driven by his firsthand experience of the devastation wrought by modern industrial warfare.”
Examples
simple
“He is a lifelong pacifist who refuses to join the army.”
contextual
“During the conflict, many pacifists were imprisoned for refusing to participate in the mandatory military draft.”
complex
“The philosopher's transition from a soldier to a committed pacifist was driven by his firsthand experience of the devastation wrought by modern industrial warfare.”
Usage
Can also be used as an adjective to describe beliefs or actions that support peace.
Real-World Examples
“There are many factors behind that, from a long-standing pacifist tradition to a history of strong business ties to Moscow.” Etymology
From French pacifiste, equivalent to pacific + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/pacifist