Learning English can be tricky, especially with words that sound the same but mean different things. The reference you will read explains the difference between “peek” and “peak.” It’s divided into sections that cover definitions, grammatical differences, and tips to help you remember which word to use.
Contents
The Difference between Peek and Peak
Peek vs. Peak: Key Takeaways
- Peek: A quick or secret look.
- Example: “She peeked at the gift.”
- Peak: The highest point of something.
- Example: “He reached the peak of the mountain.”
Peek vs. Peak: the Definition
The words “peek” and “peak” sound the same, but they have different meanings and uses:
What Does Peek Mean?
Peek is a verb that means to take a quick or secret look at something. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a quick or brief look.
- Example as a verb: “She peeked through the curtains to see who was outside.”
- Example as a noun: “Take a peek at the surprise I’ve got for you!”
What Does Peak Mean?
Peak is a noun that typically refers to the highest point of something, like a mountain or a person’s career. It can also be used as a verb to mean reaching the highest point.
- Example as a noun: “We reached the peak of the mountain after a long hike.”
- Example as a verb: “Sales peaked in December and then began to decline.”
So, while “peek” involves looking, “peak” refers to a high point.
Tips to Remember the Difference
Here’s a table to summarize the differences:
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peek | Verb | To look quickly or stealthily | “Please peek at the cookies in the oven to see if they’re done.” |
| Peak | Noun | The highest point or utmost level | “The athlete reached the peak of his performance this season.” |
Remember:
- If you’re referring to a quick look, it’s peek with two ‘e’s as in ‘eyes’ – think of ‘e’ for ‘eye’.
- If you’re talking about a high point, it’s peak with an ‘a’ as in ‘apex’.
Peek vs. Peak: Examples
Example Sentences Using “Peek”
- I couldn’t resist taking a quick peek at the presents under the Christmas tree.
- The child had a curious peek through the fence to see the neighbor’s new puppy.
- During the meeting, she took a discreet peek at her watch to check the time.
- As the curtains were drawn, a sliver of light allowed me a brief peek into the room.
- The tourists took turns to peek through the telescope at the distant stars.
- She opened the oven door to peek at the cookies, ensuring they were baking evenly.
- The book was so intriguing that he found himself taking a peek at the last page to guess the ending.
Example Sentences Using “Peak”
- The hikers reached the peak just in time to watch the sunrise.
- At the peak of his career, he was known as one of the best athletes in the world.
- The market hit its peak performance in the early 2000s.
- She trained rigorously to be at her peak for the upcoming competition.
- The demand for the product usually reaches its peak during the holiday season.
- The mountain’s peak was covered with a picturesque layer of snow.
- Climbers often experience altitude sickness when they approach the peak of a high mountain.
Related Confused Words
Peek vs. Peep
“Peek” and “peep” both refer to a quick or furtive look, but they have slightly different connotations and uses.
“Peek” means to quickly look at something, often in a secretive or cautious manner, without being seen. It suggests a brief or hurried glance, and it’s often used when someone is trying to avoid being caught or is looking at something they shouldn’t.
Example: She opened the door just enough to peek into the room without entering.
“Peep,” on the other hand, can also mean to take a quick look, but it has an additional meaning of making a slight sound or utterance. In the context of looking, “peep” can imply looking through a small opening or from a hidden vantage point. It can also be used to describe the sound a chick makes or a soft, almost inaudible utterance.
- Example (looking): He took a peep through the curtains to see if anyone was outside.
- Example (sound): We could hear the peep of the baby birds from the nest.
Peak vs. Pique
“Peak” refers to the highest point or maximum level of something. It can be used to describe the top of a mountain, the highest level of an achievement, or the point at which something is at its most intense or developed.
“Pique” has several meanings, one of which is to stimulate interest or curiosity. It can also mean to feel irritated or resentful due to a wounded ego or pride.
Example sentences using “pique”:
- The mysterious trailer piqued my interest in the movie.
- His dismissive comment piqued her, and she left the room in a huff.
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