peer
PEER
/pɪər/
A person of the same age, status, or ability as another specified person.
Focuses on equality within a social or professional hierarchy.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'par,' meaning equal. In medieval times, 'peers' were the high-ranking nobles who were considered equals to the king in certain legal rights.
Word relationships
- equal: Equal is more mathematical or abstract; peer is specifically social or professional.
- contemporary: Contemporary means living at the same time, but they might not be of the same status.
- superior: A superior is higher in rank or status.
- subordinate: A subordinate is lower in rank or status.
Commonly confused with
- pier: A pier is a structure leading out to sea; a peer is an equal.
Word family
- peerage (noun): The title or rank of a peer (nobility).
Collocations
- peer pressure
- peer group
- peer review
Idioms & expressions
- a jury of one's peers
Example sentences
- "Children are often more influenced by their peers than by their parents." Education and social development.
- "The research paper underwent a rigorous peer review before publication." Professional review process.
Memory hook
Peers are people you can look at 'peer-to-peer' (eye to eye) because you are equals. Peer = Person Equal.
When not to use
Do not use for a boss or a subordinate; they are not your peers.
Fun facts
- In the UK, the 'House of Lords' is also known as the 'House of Peers.'
- The phrase 'jury of one's peers' dates back to the Magna Carta in 1215.
Explore more words
colleague, egalitarian, counterpart, Equality, protege, hierarchy
Also appears in
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