peter

[ˈpiːtər]

peter Definition

• 1. a male given name, derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning 'stone' or 'rock'
• 2. to decrease or fade gradually before coming to an end

Using peter: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "peter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Peter is a common name in many countries.

• Example

  The company's profits began to peter out after several years of growth.

• Example

  The music festival petered out as the night went on.

peter Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for peter

• diminish
• fade
• wane
• decline

Antonyms for peter

• grow
• increase
• rise

Phrases with peter

• Peter Pan syndrome

  an inability or unwillingness to grow up and take on adult responsibilities

  Example

  He still lives with his parents and spends all his money on video games. He definitely has Peter Pan syndrome.

• peter principle

  the idea that people are promoted to their level of incompetence, meaning they are no longer qualified for their job

  Example

  He was great at his old job, but since he got promoted, he's been struggling. It's like he's hit the Peter principle.

• peter out

  to gradually decrease or fade away before coming to an end

  Example

  The party started off strong, but it petered out around midnight.

Origins of peter

from Late Latin 'petrus', from Greek 'petros', meaning 'stone'

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Summary: peter in Brief

The term 'Peter' [ˈpiːtər] can refer to a male given name, derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning 'stone' or 'rock'. It can also be used as a verb to describe something decreasing or fading gradually before coming to an end, as in 'The company's profits began to peter out after several years of growth.' Phrases include 'Peter Pan syndrome,' describing an inability or unwillingness to grow up, and 'peter principle,' referring to the idea that people are promoted to their level of incompetence.