Peek vs Peak vs Pique

Quick Tip: Remember: Peek means to look (peek through the window). Peak is the top (mountain peak). Pique means to stimulate interest (pique curiosity).

Peek

verb

to look quickly or furtively

Examples:
  • Don't peek at the presents before Christmas.
  • She peeked through the window.
  • I couldn't resist peeking at the answer.
noun

a quick or furtive look

Examples:
  • Take a peek at this photo.
  • I had a quick peek at the menu.

Peak

noun

the pointed top of a mountain

Examples:
  • We reached the peak of the mountain.
  • The peak was covered in snow.
  • Mount Everest is the highest peak.
noun

the highest point of achievement or activity

Examples:
  • Sales reached their peak in December.
  • She is at the peak of her career.
  • The athlete was at his peak performance.

Pique

verb

to stimulate interest or curiosity

Examples:
  • The mystery piqued my interest.
  • Her comment piqued his curiosity.
  • The advertisement piqued public interest.
noun

a feeling of irritation or resentment

Examples:
  • He left in a fit of pique.
  • She felt a sense of pique at the comment.