A reader asked on “Write Right: Complement versus Compliment” that I talk about pique, peek, and peak. I’m happy to comply. I’ve added “pick” both because of its similarity in sound to the other three words and because I need the word to make this post work. Thus is the life at Write Right. Words are added or subtracted because of need or creative direction.
“Pick” probably needs no explanation. One “picks” or “chooses” things. A bear, for instance, might pick a certain cave for his hibernation. He might pick a certain tree for scratching his claws. He might pick a certain part of the stream because he’s certain to catch a fine fish.
“Pique” actually has a number of definitions, mostly due to its ability to be used as either a noun or verb. As a noun, the word means “a transient feeling of wounded vanity” or “a fit of resentment.” It also can refer to a type of clothing fabric, but the word usually has an accent mark on the “e,” helping to demarcate the difference.
The verb form of the word somewhat follows the noun’s definition; it can mean “to arouse anger or resentment.” The more common use of the word lies in its second definition, which is “to excite or arouse by a provocation, rebuff, or challenge.” A bear, in his quest to find a cave, might “pick” a mountain that “piques” his interest. The mountain excites him for some reason or another, so off he goes to explore it.
“Peak,” like “pique,” has numerous definitions both as a noun and verb but often is associated with mountain “peaks”; that is, the top of the mountains. This bear, who has picked a particular mountain because it piqued his interest, might very well climb to its peak. Perhaps he struggled to find a cave or was distracted by the scent of honey or wasn’t quite ready to hibernate for the winter.
To “peek” at something is to look at it. A “peek” can create a sense of furtiveness or secrecy, but it sometimes simply means a brief look. To return to the bear: he picks a mountain because it piques his interest. His interest is so piqued that he climbs to the peak to peek at what he could see. What does he see? Maybe he sees another peak that piques his interest or maybe he just sees what he can see and retires to his cave for winter.
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Excellent!! Well done and thank you for listening 🙂
abfabZ Certainly! I enjoyed writing the piece.
Ahhh yes. I even say celebrities writing “sneak peak.” WRONG! That “peaks my interest.” WRONG! GRRR says this bear! Love this post and thank you for writing!
DwayneAlicie I had to double check my work once it started to feel a bit Seussian. I think I had the wrong peek or peak at one point.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Erin F. DwayneAlicie Oooo, I made a typo in my comment up there — “say” should be “see.” I had to think about it as I was typing out the incorrect “peaks” as well — I suppose my focus was on that!
DwayneAlicie I knew what you meant. I didn’t want to call out the typo. 🙂
DwayneAlicie I will always remember those because of the bear. 🙂 Excellent visual Erin and Dwayne.
Loved your pick, peek, peak, pique differentiation. Now to just remember the distinctions when I need them.
Thanks.
florabrown Thank you! It was a fun post to write. Thank you, too, for liking the Facebook page.