Use peak for a high point, peek for a quick look, and pique for arousing interest or curiosity. You can take a peek at a mountain peak, and the view might pique your interest in hiking.
Peak, peek, and pique in sentences
- “The runner reached peak performance in June.” Peak can name a summit or a maximum. As a verb, it means to reach a high point.
- “We got a sneak peek at the new exhibit.” A peek is a brief look. The verb peek means to take that look.
- “The curator’s introduction piqued my interest.” It made me curious. Pique also appears in a fit of pique, meaning a brief display of irritation or resentment.
When interest rises, check the verb
“The trailer piqued my interest” says the trailer made me curious. “Interest in the film peaked on opening night” says interest reached its highest point then. See Merriam-Webster’s usage guide.
Try it
“The guide let us take a sneak ___ at the route, hoping to ___ our interest in climbing the highest ___.”
Show the answer
Use peek for the quick look, pique for sparking interest, and peak for the summit.
For another three-way spelling comparison, see Rain vs. Reign vs. Rein.
