pacific
UK[pəˈsɪfɪk]US[pəˈsɪfɪk]
adj
tending to lessen conflict or promote peace; peaceful.
adj
relating to or bordering the pacific ocean.
Morpheme Breakdown
pac
ific
pac
peace
ific
making
Etymology
the word 'pacific' entered english in the 16th century from the latin 'pacificus', which itself is a compound of 'pax, pac-' (peace) and the suffix '-ficus' (making). the literal meaning is "peace-making." the term was famously applied to the pacific ocean by the explorer ferdinand magellan, who reportedly found its waters calm compared to the stormy straits he had just navigated. this geographical application later reinforced the general adjectival sense of promoting peace or being tranquil in nature.
Analysis
Structure: pac (peace) + ific (making)
pac is from latin 'pax, pac-' meaning 'peace'. ific is a latin suffix '-ficus' meaning 'making' or 'doing'.
Examples
the ambassador adopted a pacific tone during the delicate negotiations.
the pacific northwest is known for its temperate climate and lush forests.
her pacific demeanor helped to calm the agitated crowd.