Peer

Definition

Peer generally denotes an individual who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background, or social status. It can also refer to a member of the nobility in Britain or Ireland.

Parts of Speech

• Noun: peer (e.g., "He is my peer in the software development team.")
• Verb: peer (e.g., "She peered into the darkness to see what was there.")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pɪr/
• Respelling: PEER (with "PEER" as in "beer")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pɪər/
• Respelling: PEER (similar to American English, with "PEER" as in "beer")

In both dialects, "peer" is pronounced with a single, stressed syllable. The pronunciation reflects typical regional variations in vowel sounds between American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the "ee" sound in "PEER."

Etymology

The word "peer" originates from the Old French word "per", meaning "equal" or "match", which itself was derived from the Latin "par", meaning "equal".

Derivatives

• Peerage
• Peerless
• Peering
• Peer-reviewed
• Peerhood

Synonyms

• Equal
• Counterpart
• Colleague

Antonyms

• Superior
• Inferior
• Subordinate

Usage

"Peer" can be employed in a variety of contexts. When used as a noun, it generally indicates individuals who are of the same status or rank. In the academic and professional realms, "peer review" refers to the process where one's work is evaluated by those of similar standing. As a verb, "peer" refers to looking intently, often with difficulty.

Related Terms

• Peer group
• Peer pressure
• Peer review
• Peer-to-peer
• Peer recognition

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A person who has the same social status, abilities, or qualifications as another.
• Example: "Teenagers often feel the influence of their peers."

• A member of the nobility in some countries, having certain hereditary or honorary titles.
• Example: "The House of Lords is made up of life peers and hereditary peers."

Verb

• To look intently, especially with difficulty or concentration.
• Example: "She peered into the fog, trying to find the way."

• To be partially visible; to appear.
• Example: "The sun peered through the clouds."