“Peak his interest” or “pique his interest”: which is correct?
pique his interest
The short answer
The correct phrase is “pique his interest.” The word pique means to stimulate or arouse curiosity or interest.
Why people get it wrong
People make this error because peak and pique are homophones, meaning they sound alike when spoken, leading to confusion between the two. The word peak is more commonly used and understood, which can contribute to the misuse.
What kind of mistake it is
It’s a malapropism and a homophone error.
Examples with pique his interest
- The novel’s intriguing cover piqued my interest.
- Her unexpected question piqued his interest in the subject.
- The unique design of the building piques my interest every time I pass by.
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