Peek and peak may sound the same, but they differ in spelling and usage. Generally, peek deals with seeing, while peak deals with a high point or level. We can use peek as a verb or noun. As a verb, it means to look quickly. As a noun, it means a glance.
Meanwhile, peak can be used as a verb, noun, and adjective. Peak as a verb means to reach the highest point or level. As a noun, it can mean the highest level of something or a sharp or pointed end. When used as an adjective, it means the busiest or highest level.
When confused about choosing between peek and peak, remember that peek is spelled with two e’s, and it’s close to “eyes.” Hence, associate the word peek with “eyes” or glance.
When to Use Peek
We use peek when talking about glancing. Peek as a verb means to look quickly, and as a noun, it means a glance. When considering peek, think of the two eyes needed to look at something. The two e’s in the word eyes remind us to spell it as ‘peek’ with two e’s.
Peek as a Verb
The moon peeked out through the window.
Bryan peeked from his blanket.
A beautiful sunset is peeking over the horizon.
Peek as a Noun
Carolyn took a peek at herself in the mirror.
I needed a final peek at the items I bought.
The manager takes a peek at what his team is doing.
When to Use Peak
We use peak when talking about a high level or point. Moreover, we can use it as a verb, noun, or adjective. Peak as a verb means to reach the highest point or level. Furthermore, it can mean the highest level or a pointed end as a noun. When used as an adjective, it means the busiest and highest level.
Peak as a Verb
Their scores haven’t peaked yet; we’re still waiting for forty.
A meteor shower will last for three days but will peak on Thursday.
Wind speeds peaked at 115 mph yesterday.
Peak as a Noun
BTS is at the peak of their career.
Mount Everest is a peak in the Himalayan mountain range.
The production is down from its peak of three years ago.
Peak as an Adjective
Gasoline prices are at a consistent high peak nowadays due to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The everyday peak in sales is expected.
December is the peak season for most businesses.
Peek vs. Peak vs. Pique
Peek, peak, and pique sound the same but have different meanings. While peek means a glance and peak means a high point or level, pique means to provoke interest or to upset someone (verb), or a feeling of displeasure or irritation (noun).
Pique as a Verb
Your talent piques my interest.
Her vibrant personality piques his curiosity.
Zachy was piqued after being rejected.
Pique as a Noun
Her pique is obvious in her facial expressions.
Kustav’s pique is expected after being insulted.
He lied out of pique.
Peek vs. Peak: Is There a Difference?
There is a difference between peak and peak, and there are many. Although they sound the same, they differ in usage. Use peek (the one with two e’s) when referring to a quick look or glance, as long as it deals with sight. Meanwhile, use peek when referring to a high point or level.
References:
Collins Dictionary. (n.d.). Pique. In https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/ dictionary. Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/pique
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Peak. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/peak
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Peek. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/peak
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Pique. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/pique
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Peak. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 11, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peak
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Peek. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 11, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peek
