Musing: Meaning of Pacific

Posted on by Librin Latone

I saw the word “pacific” describing someone in a novel and it gave me pause.  So I looked it up (really wish school had covered this one!)

Pacific means (according to Merriam Webster)

 

  1. a :  tending to lessen conflict :  conciliatory
    b :  rejecting the use of force as an instrument of policy

  2.  a :  having a soothing appearance or effect <mild pacific breezes>
    b :  mild of temper :  peaceable

Apply this to the Pacific Ocean and it’s just hilarious.  The “Peaceful Ocean” or the “Lessening conflict Ocean” – I mean I guess it used to lessen conflict ’cause crossing it was a lifetime sort of experience but…

Today I learned….

 

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Published by Librin Latone

Writer, nerd, and perpetual student. I am obsessed with books - both the reading and the making of them. If I won the lottery I would try to have the best private(ish) library in the world. It wouldn't be totally private because the whole purpose of having books is helping other people find a book they will love. I have 2 cats, Genkii (energy) and Kawaii (cutie). I will mention them regularly because they are a daily delight in my life. Granted, sometimes when I'm playing video games they are not so much "delight" as they are "distraction"... but I love them regardless.