Word Choice Peak, Peek, or Pique

Word Choice Peak, Peek, or Pique Word Choice: Peak, Peek, or Pique? Homophones are problematic enough when we’re dealing with two words that sound the same. But with â€Å"peak,† â€Å"peek,† and â€Å"pique,† we have a tricky homophonic threesome to deal with. But what do these words mean? And how can you avoid errors in your written work? Let us explain. Peak (Highest Point) A â€Å"peak† is typically the highest point of something. This might be a physical high point, such as the highest point on a mountain: The peak of Mount Everest is 29,029 feet above sea level. However, a â€Å"peak† can also be the high point of an activity or quality: Most athletes achieve hit their peak between 26 and 28 years old. In this case, we’re talking about the age at which athletes perform best. And while â€Å"peak† is often a noun, it can be used as a verb or an adjective: Viewing figures peaked one hour into the program. I’ve been in peak condition since I started working out. In the first sentence above, we use â€Å"peak† as a verb to mean â€Å"hit its highest point.† In the second sentence, meanwhile, â€Å"peak† is modifying the noun â€Å"condition† (meaning â€Å"top condition†). Take a peek at this peak. Peek (A Quick or Secretive Glance) â€Å"Peek† can be either a verb or a noun. In either case, it refers to taking a quick or furtive look at something. Using it as a verb, for example, we might say: He peeked around the corner to see if we were being followed. Or if we wanted to use it as a noun, we could say: I only took a peek at your email last night, but I’ll read it in full tomorrow. Whether used as a verb or a noun, then, â€Å"peek† is always related to looking at something briefly or from a hidden position. Pique (Irritation or Interest) â€Å"Pique† is a much rarer term than the other words here. However, it is used in some common phrases, so it is useful to know what it means. One of these phrases is â€Å"fit of pique,† which we use when someone does something suddenly because they are annoyed: He left the restaurant in a fit of pique when the waiter laughed at him. Other than this, you may hear someone say that something â€Å"piqued† their curiosity or interest. This sense of â€Å"pique† is a verb that means â€Å"arouse interest or curiosity†: The letter piqued my curiosity, so I wrote back straight away. One common error is to write â€Å"peak my curiosity,† as some people think it means â€Å"raise my curiosity to its highest point.† And while this makes some sense, it is not the correct phrase! Summary: Peak, Peek, or Pique? â€Å"Peak,† â€Å"peek,† and â€Å"pique† sound the same, but each has its own meaning: A peak is the highest point of something. To peek is usually to take a quick or furtive look at something. Pique can mean â€Å"irritation† or â€Å"arouse interest.† It is most commonly used in phrases such as â€Å"a fit of pique† or â€Å"to pique curiosity.† Make sure not to confuse these terms! If you’d like help ensuring your writing is error free, moreover, a bit of proofreading can go a long way.