Most Common Mix-Ups (With The Correct Choice)
All three are pronounced like “peek” in most English accents, so spelling has to carry the meaning.
In writing, peek, peak, and pique can look like the same word in a hurry, but each points to a different idea.
- Homophones
- Look
- Highest Point
- Interest
Why These Three Get Mixed Up
They share the same sound (usually “peek”), so your brain leans on context instead of spelling.
One sound, three jobs: peek is about a look, peak is about the top, and pique is about stirring interest or annoyance.
That’s why you’ll see mistakes in phrases that feel “set,” like piqued my interest or peak hours, where the wrong spelling still sounds perfectly normal.
Peek: Meaning And Common Uses
Peek means a quick or secret look, used as both a verb and a noun.✅Source
What “Peek” Points To
- sneak peek = a brief preview (common in entertainment and product previews).
- peek at = look quickly, sometimes trying not to be noticed.
- peek inside = glance into a space for a moment.
When you mean looking, peek is the spelling that fits. If the sentence is about a high point or interest, peek will feel off once you slow down and read it.
Peak: Meaning And Common Uses
Peak is the highest point—literally (a mountain) or figuratively (the top level of something).✅Source
Where “Peak” Shows Up
- Noun
- A mountain peak, the peak of a career, the peak level of demand.
- Verb
- To peak = reach the highest point (“Sales peaked in July.”).
- Adjective
- peak hours, peak season, peak performance.
- peak of + noun: “the peak of popularity,” “the peak of summer.”
- to peak: used when something rises and then levels off or declines.
- peak hours: the busiest, highest-demand time.
If the sentence points to a top level—the highest point, strongest moment, or maximum value—peak is the spelling that matches the meaning.
Pique: Meaning And Common Uses
Pique most often means to arouse curiosity or interest, and it can also mean to irritate or offend someone’s pride.✅Source
Three Common “Pique” Ideas
- Verb: Spark Interest
- “That detail piqued my curiosity.”
- Verb: Annoy Or Offend
- “She felt piqued by the comment.”
- Noun: A Flash Of Resentment
- “He left in a fit of pique.”
- piqued + interest/curiosity is the most common modern pattern.
- in a fit of pique is a fixed phrase meaning a sudden burst of resentment.
- piqué (with an accent) is also used for a ribbed fabric name, and it’s typically pronounced differently.
In everyday writing, if you mean “spark interest,” pique is the spelling that belongs there—especially in piqued my interest.
Common Mix-Ups You’ll See In Real Sentences
These are the classic spots where peek, peak, and pique get swapped because they sound identical, even though the meaning changes fast.
- ✅ Correct take a peek ❌ Wrong take a peak
- ✅ Correct reach a peak ❌ Wrong reach a peek
- ✅ Correct piqued my curiosity ❌ Wrong peaked my curiosity
- ✅ Correct peak season ❌ Wrong peek season
- ✅ Correct sneak peek ❌ Wrong sneak peak
Peek stays in the “look” lane: doors, curtains, windows, quick previews, short glances.
Peak stays in the “top” lane: mountains, maximum levels, strongest moments, busiest times.
Pique is the odd one because it’s about a reaction: interest gets sparked, or pride gets bruised, and the word shows that shift in tone.
Peek vs Peak vs Pique in One Glance
| Word | Part Of Speech | Core Meaning | Common Collocations | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| peek | Verb / Noun | Quick or slightly hidden look | peek at, peek inside, take a peek, sneak peek | “I took a peek at the notes.” |
| peak | Noun / Verb / Adjective | Highest point; maximum level | mountain peak, at its peak, peak hours, to peak | “Traffic is worst at its peak.” |
| pique | Verb / Noun | Spark interest; or a flash of resentment | piqued interest, piqued curiosity, fit of pique | “That headline piqued my interest.” |
If you remember one thing, make it this: peek is a look, peak is a top, and pique is a spark in feelings or curiosity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are “peek,” “peak,” and “pique” pronounced the same?
Yes, in most accents they’re homophones and sound like “peek”. The spelling changes the meaning, not the sound.
Is it “piqued my interest” or “peaked my interest”?
Standard usage is piqued my interest, meaning your interest was sparked. Peaked my interest is a common spelling mix-up.
Is it “sneak peek” or “sneak peak”?
Sneak peek is the established phrase, because it’s about a quick look. Sneak peak swaps in the “highest point” spelling.
What does “in a fit of pique” mean?
It means a sudden burst of resentment or offended pride. It’s a fixed phrase where pique is the noun.
Can “peak” be a verb?
Yes. To peak means to reach the highest point (“Demand peaked last week.”). It’s about a maximum.
Does “pique” have any other meanings I might see?
Besides “spark interest,” pique can mean “irritate,” and it can be a noun for resentment. You may also see piqué used as a fabric name.