A Peer Is an Equal, Which Is Why Peer Review Works
A peer is someone of the same standing. The word also names a member of the nobility.
A peer is a person of equal standing, and in Britain a member of the nobility. The two senses come from one word, Latin *par*, equal. A peer of the realm was originally a noble equal to other nobles, entitled to be judged only by them — which is where trial by a jury of your peers comes from, and why *peer review* means assessment by people of equal expertise rather than by superiors. A different *peer*, to look closely, is an unrelated word of uncertain origin.
- An equal. *Judged by his peers.*
- A noble. *A peer of the realm.*
- To look closely. *Peering into the dark.*
- Peerless — without equal. *Peerless.*
- Latin — *par*, equal. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | peer | A peer. |
| Verb | peer | Peering. |
| Adjective | peerless | Peerless. |
| Noun | peerage | The peerage. |
| Latin | par | Equal. |
- Judged by a jury of his peers.Law.
- She was made a peer.Nobility.
- He peered through the fog.Looking.
The par family
- Peer — an equal
- Par — the standard or equal level
- Parity — the state of being equal
- Compare — to set side by side as equals
- Disparage — originally to marry below one's rank
Old French *per*, from Latin *par*, equal. The verb meaning to look is of uncertain origin.
Why is it called peer review?
Because the work is judged by people of equal standing and expertise, not by superiors. Peer means equal.
Is peering through a window the same word?
No. That verb is unrelated and its origin is uncertain.