peak, peek, peke, pique

The words peak, peek, peke, pique sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do peak, peek, peke, pique sound the same even though they are completely different words?

The answer is simple: peak, peek, peke, pique are homophones of the English language.

peak
  1. :: noun

    A tapering, projecting point; a pointed extremity: the peak of a cap; the peak of a roof.

  2. :: noun

    The pointed summit of a mountain.

  3. :: noun

    The mountain itself.

  4. :: noun

    The point of a beard.

peek
  1. :: verb-intransitive

    To glance quickly.

  2. :: verb-intransitive

    To look or peer furtively, as from a place of concealment.

  3. :: verb-intransitive

    To be only partially visible, as if peering or emerging from hiding: Tiny crocuses peeked through the snow.

  4. :: noun

    A brief or furtive look.

peke
  1. :: noun

    a Pekingese.

pique
  1. :: noun

    A state of vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; a feeling of wounded pride.

  2. :: verb-transitive

    To cause to feel resentment or indignation.

  3. :: verb-transitive

    To provoke; arouse: The portrait piqued her curiosity.

  4. :: verb-transitive

    To pride (oneself): He piqued himself on his stylish attire.

Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition, from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English and Wordnik.

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About Homophones

Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled.

If they are spelled the same then they are also homographs (and homonyms); if they are spelled differently then they are also heterographs (literally "different writing").