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dovelike

dovelike

5.5
Prefers solving conflicts by talking and making agreements rather than by fighting
  • adjective
  • /ˈdʌvˌlaɪk/
translation icon : pacífico
  • The president's dovelike approach to international disputes earned him a reputation as a peacemaker.

Examples

  • Many citizens appreciated the mayor's dovelike response to the escalating tensions.

  • Her dovelike views stood in contrast to her opponent's more aggressive policies.

  • Her dovelike nature made her a great mediator.

  • The dovelike approach to conflict resolution is often more effective.

  • The president's dovelike approach to international relations promoted dialogue over warfare.

  • Her dovelike stance on the issues appealed to those seeking peaceful solutions.

  • The committee favored a dovelike method for resolving conflicts without resorting to violence.

Synonyms

peace-loving
vsdovelike
11 3.4

Wanting peace and avoiding violence or fights

favors negotiation and nonmilitary solutions as active choices
dovish
vsdovelike
2 6.8

Prefer peaceful policies and oppose military action

favors negotiation and nonmilitary solutions in general, not only politics
pacifistic
vsdovelike
1 7.8

Against war and violence, preferring peaceful ways

favors negotiation and nonmilitary solutions but may not reject all violence

Antonyms

45 6.8

Very active and ready to fight for a belief or cause

26 7.5

Being ready to argue or fight

Compounds

A soft, gentle voice that makes people feel calm

How Peaceful

pacifist
8 5.3
dovelike
5.5
neutral
218 3.6
aggressive
311 3.7
hawkish
14 7.9

Surface Forms

dovelike positive

Morphology

dovelike = dove (transparent) = dove + like

The adjective is clearly formed from the noun 'dove' with the productive suffix '-like' meaning 'resembling' or 'characteristic of'; the political sense is a straightforward metaphor from the bird-as-peace symbol.

Etymology

Dovelike comes from the bird dove, long used as a sign of 'peace', and the ending -like meaning 'similar to'. So to be dovelike is to act like a dove, favouring peace and talking instead of force.