preponderance

American  

[pri-pon-der-uhns] / prɪˈpɒn dər əns /

Sometimes preponderancy

noun

1. the fact or quality of being preponderant; superiority in weight, power, numbers, etc..

   The preponderance of votes is against the proposal.

   Synonyms:

   bulk, mass, majority, predominance

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preponderance British  

/ prɪˈpɒndərəns, prɪˈpɒndərənsɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being greater in weight, force, influence, etc

   the preponderance of right-handed people

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Etymology

Origin of preponderance

First recorded in 1675–85; preponder(ant) + -ance

Example Sentences

Emerging market stocks still trade at a steep discount to the S&P 500, despite a preponderance of technology stocks in these markets.

From Barron's

While criminal cases require a burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases require only a preponderance of the evidence.

From Los Angeles Times

Evidence of this practice is the preponderance of A’s in student grades at Harvard and other formerly elite universities and colleges.

From The Wall Street Journal

They chose Long Beach because of its proximity to the beach for surfing and a preponderance of youthful — but not too youthful — vibes.

From Los Angeles Times

A preponderance so crushing will resist to the last.

From Salon

Related Words

• predominance
• prevalence