pax
[ˈpaːks]feminine
The English word "peace" is translated into Latin as pax.
pax refers to a state of being free from war. In Classical Latin, the term pax Romana was used specifically to describe the period of relative peace and stability experienced in ancient Rome. In ecclesiastical Latin, the phrase pax Christi is used to mean "the peace of Christ". While pax focuses on the absence of war, the related term concordia is used to emphasize harmony and agreement.
Meaning: state of being free from war (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
pax is a feminine noun that changes its form based on its role in a sentence. To show possession or to say "of peace", use the genitive forms pacis or pacī. When peace is the direct object of a verb, use the accusative form pacem. If you are referring to multiple peaces, the plural is paxēs. The dative plural (to/for the peaces) is pacibus and the ablative plural (from/by the peaces) is also pacibus.
Did you know?
- The word pax is fundamentally about 'joining' or 'fastening' things. It shares a root with the idea of binding or attaching, suggesting that peace is the active act of keeping things together.
- In the early Christian church, members of the congregation performed the osculum pacis, which was a ritual 'kiss of peace' used to signify unity and reconciliation.
- The Roman goddess Pax was frequently portrayed with a cornucopia to signal that pax was the essential prerequisite for agricultural wealth.
Examples in context
- Donec, infecta pāce, ad arma desilirent.While, as peace was broken, they came down with arms.This sentence shows the effect of peace being broken.
- Pax in prospectu est.Peace is on the horizon.This sentence describes peace being on the horizon.Tatoeba #11011500 by carlosalberto, translation #8785948 by CK
- Pax maximi momenti est.Peace is of great importance.This sentence emphasizes the great importance of peace.Tatoeba #9975317 by shekitten, translation #320177 by CM
- Pax et bonum!Peace and goodness!
- Desideramus pacem in mundo.We desire peace in the world.
- Tranquillitas invenitur in simplicitate vitae.Peace is found in the simplicity of life.
- Sit tibi tranquillitas animi.May you have peace of mind.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two citizens are discussing the end of a long conflict.
- JuliaQuinte, pax tandem redit.Quintus, peace has finally returned.
- QuintusIta vero, Julia, gaudeamus.It is true, Julia, let us rejoice.
- JuliaPax nos servabit.Peace will preserve us.
- QuintusSpes est bona.The hope is good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peace” translations and entries pax, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pax, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
