peer
UK: pɪə | US: pɪr
n. 1. A person of the same age, status, or ability as another.
n. 2. A member of the nobility in Britain or Ireland (e.g., "peer of the realm").
v. 3. To look closely or with difficulty.
The word "peer" originates from the Latin par, meaning "equal." It entered Middle English via Old French per or peer, retaining the sense of equality in status or rank. Over time, it specialized in two directions: (1) social/legal equality (e.g., nobility) and (2) the act of looking intently (from the idea of "equal scrutiny"). The verb form emerged later, metaphorically extending the notion of "equal attention" to visual focus.
She was respected by her peers for her leadership skills.
The duke was made a peer by the queen.
He peered through the fog, trying to see the road ahead.
Peer pressure can influence teenagers' decisions.
The scientist peered into the microscope to observe the cells.