peer
peer Lexical Profile
peer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person of the same age, status, or ability as another specified person.
"The student's research paper was reviewed by a committee of her academic peers."
British A member of the nobility in Britain or Ireland, comprising the ranks of duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron.
"As a life peer, she was entitled to sit and vote in the House of Lords."
• verb
To look keenly or with difficulty at someone or something.
"She peered through the misty window to see if the delivery truck had arrived."
To come slowly or partially into view; to emerge.
"The morning sun peered over the eastern ridge, illuminating the valley below."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'peer' (an equal, or to look closely) with its homophone 'pier' (a raised structure extending over water).
• Rhymes for peer
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun derives from Old French 'per', from Latin 'par' meaning 'equal' (the same root as 'pair' and 'parity'). The verb, meaning 'to look closely', is of separate, uncertain origin, likely a Middle English alteration of 'appear' or related to Low German 'piren'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.