peer
PEER
/pɪər/
A person of the same age, status, or ability as another specified person.
Often used in the context of 'peer pressure' or 'peer review' in science.
The story behind the word. Comes from the Latin 'par,' meaning equal. In British history, 'peers' were the nobility who were considered equals to one another in the eyes of the law.
Word relationships
- equal: Equal is a general adjective; peer is a specific noun for a person of the same rank.
- superior: A superior is higher in rank.
Commonly confused with
- friend: A friend is someone you like; a peer is someone at your same level, regardless of whether you like them.
Word family
- peerless (adjective): Having no equal; matchless.
Collocations
- peer pressure
- peer group
- peer review
Example sentences
- "Teenagers are often more influenced by their peers than by their parents." Social psychology.
- "The research underwent a rigorous peer review process before being published." Scientific publishing.
Memory hook
Peers are 'pairs' (equals). Your equal in the crowd.
When not to use
Don't use it for a superior or a subordinate; they must be your equal.
Fun facts
- The 'House of Lords' in the UK is also known as the 'House of Peers'.
Explore more words
colleague, egalitarian, counterpart, Equality, protege, hierarchy
Also appears in
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