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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/books/action/view/entry_id/352725
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Rated: 13+ · Book · Writing · #890221
A library featuring commonly committed errors of the English language.
#352725 added February 15, 2007 at 12:50pm
Restrictions: None
Peak vs. Peek vs. Pique
No, you’re not seeing things; this is a three-way homophone. Peak is most often used as a noun, referring to “a high point,” but it can also be used as a verb meaning “to reach a high point” or an adjective meaning “excellent.” Peek can be used as a noun meaning “a quick look” or as a verb meaning “to take a quick look.” Pique has multiple definitions as well, but I’ve heard it used most – if not exclusively – as a verb meaning “to arouse or stimulate.”

Examples:

*Bullet* Pikes Peak is named after the American explorer Zebulon Pike.
*Bullet* We got tickets to a sneak peek of Tom Cruise’s latest movie.
*Bullet* The new reality show looks horrible, but it has piqued some morbid curiosity of mine.
*Bullet* The civil rights movement peaked in the 1960s.
*Bullet* Peeking at another student’s paper during a test is cheating.
*Bullet* If this doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will.
*Bullet* One must be in peak physical condition to run a marathon.
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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/books/action/view/entry_id/352725