Peak, Peek, or Pique?

What Is the Difference between "Peak," "Peek," and "Pique"?

Peak

The noun peak is the maximum point, degree, or volume of something. (The word peak can also be used as a verb.)

Examples:

• I grew up climbing mountains in Montana. My wife and I were engaged on top of a mountain peak.
• It's been a career filled with very low valleys and some wonderful high peaks. (Pat Morita)
• I hate to sound self-involved, but I feel like I haven't peaked yet. (Q Tip)
(This is an example of peak being used as a verb.)

Peek

The noun peek denotes a quick look or glance. (The word peek can also be used as a verb.)

Examples:

• It's fun to peek into other people's worlds and see how they go about doing things. (Norah Jones)
• I don't think it's a director's job to peek behind the curtain too much. (Paul Thomas Anderson)
(This is an example of peek being used as a verb.)
• We may train or peek for a certain race, but running is a lifetime sport. (Alberto Salazar)
(This should be peak.)

Pique

The noun pique denotes a feeling of irritation or displeasure. It can also be used as a verb meaning to irk or displease. Pique can also mean to arouse or provoke interest.

Examples of pique meaning irritation or displeasure:

• If someone starts agreeing with me, I don't like it. Out of pique, I become something else. (Alexei Sayle)
• In a fit of pique, I said to my agent, "I'm going to write something you can sell."
• It piqued me.

Example of pique meaning to arouse or provoke interest:

• A great way to pique people's interest in nutrition is to involve them more in the cooking process.

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