English Reference

Word

peers

Phoneticspeers

/ˈpɪɹz/

Definitions

01social or professional equals

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

n. people who are the same age, have the same job, or are in the same social group as you.

n. individuals who are of equal standing with another in terms of age, rank, status, or ability.

“Teenagers often feel a lot of pressure to act like their peers.”

“The researcher's findings were highly respected because they had been rigorously reviewed by his peers in the scientific community.”

Synonyms

equalscontemporariescolleagues

Antonyms

superiorssubordinates

02members of the nobility

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Law British English · Formal

n. people who have a high social title, like a Lord or Lady, especially in the UK.

n. members of the nobility or the House of Lords in the United Kingdom.

“The new law was debated by the peers in the House of Lords.”

“Historically, a defendant had the right to be tried by a jury of their peers, which originally referred to fellow members of the nobility.”

Synonyms

noblesaristocrats

Antonyms

commoners

Etymology

Variant of Piers.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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