predominant

[ pri-dom-uh-nuhnt ]

adjective

1. having ascendancy, power, authority, or influence over others; preeminent.
2. preponderant; prominent:

   a predominant trait; the predominant color of a painting.

predominant

/ prɪˈdɒmɪnənt /

adjective

1. having superiority in power, influence, etc, over others
2. prevailing; prominent

Derived Forms

• preˈdominance, noun

Other Words From

• pre·domi·nant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of predominant¹

1570–80; < Medieval Latin praedominant- (stem of praedomināns ), present participle of praedominārī to predominate. See pre-, dominant

Synonym Study

See dominant.

Example Sentences

Man vs. Nature is the predominant theme of the film, and I always tried to go back to that imagery.

From The Daily Beast

The predominant focus of cancer drug development today is on “targeted therapies” that are both innovative and lucrative.

From The Daily Beast

The industry was shifting and writers were becoming predominant in the success of shows.

From The Daily Beast

The predominant school of thought holds that the markets are irrationally acting—and crashing—in response to the news.

From The Daily Beast

In an election season in which the economy is the predominant issue, the report has assumed even greater importance.

From The Daily Beast

In the parish churches, many of which are of great interest, the predominant styles are Decorated and Perpendicular.

From Project Gutenberg

Then began the present aspect of field and forest; and modern types of animals were introduced and became predominant.

From Project Gutenberg

In the lowest animals touch was the predominant, if not the only sense, taste perhaps being associated with it.

From Project Gutenberg

We do not indeed know how the predominant character of the Mes was shown—whether, for example, the melody ended on the Mes.

From Project Gutenberg

Marie Touchet, who was very young when brought to court, came at an age when all the noblest sentiments are predominant.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dominant
• dominating
• main
• potent
• prevailing
• prevalent
• weighty