preponderance

[ pri-pon-der-uhns ]

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

preponderance

/ prɪˈpɒndərənsɪ; prɪˈpɒndərəns /

noun

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

   the preponderance of right-handed people

Word History and Origins

Origin of preponderance¹

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

Example Sentences

A more recent addition to this ever-changing ecosystem is the preponderance of electric contraptions—e-bikes, e-skateboards, e-scooters, Onewheels—some of which are capable of rather high speeds.

From Outside Online

As for raising the burden of proof to a preponderance of evidence, Early now says he’s for it.

From ProPublica

The preponderance of the data would say in household transmission, young children are not quite as good as adults.

From FiveThirtyEight

More than a preponderance of evidence, the state’s attorney came with an avalanche that overwhelmed and buried any notion of innocence.

From The Daily Beast

Seattle also benefited from a preponderance of at-home workers — Amazon and Microsoft were among the first to encourage remote working.

From Ozy

This lawsuit will be decided under a lower and more easily met standard of proof: “preponderance of the evidence.”

From The Daily Beast

Brown assesses sexual misconduct charges under a “preponderance of the evidence” standard—the lowest legal burden of proof.

From The Daily Beast

That should bother you even if you think that the preponderance of the evidence says that MacDonald is guilty.

From The Daily Beast

A civil case, however, could have been decided on the basis of a preponderance of evidence.

From The Daily Beast

In the past 20 years, the preponderance of global companies have both increased revenue and shed costs.

From The Daily Beast

But here, as in every place of burial, the vast preponderance of childrens graves is striking.

From Project Gutenberg

A House of Commons was chosen in which the Whig party had a decided preponderance.

From Project Gutenberg

It also points out a very characteristic feature of these concerts—namely, the preponderance of the fair sex.

From Project Gutenberg

The Free State preponderance among settlers constantly increased.

From Project Gutenberg

The Roman Catholic general resolved to employ his preponderance of forces in striking a decisive blow.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• predominance
• prevalence