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preponderate

American  
[pri-pon-duh-rayt] / prɪˈpɒn dəˌreɪt /

verb (used without object)

preponderated, preponderating
  1. to exceed something else in weight; be the heavier.

  2. to incline downward or descend, as one scale or end of a balance, because of greater weight; be weighed down.

  3. to be superior in power, force, influence, number, amount, etc.; predominate.

    Evidence for the accused preponderated at the trial.


preponderate British  
/ prɪˈpɒndəˌreɪt /

verb

  1. (often foll by over) to be more powerful, important, numerous, etc (than)

  2. to be of greater weight than something else

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of preponderate

1615–25; < Latin praeponderātus, past participle of praeponderāre to outweigh. See pre-, ponder, -ate 1


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“If his own opinion prevails at some times, he should acquiesce on seeing that of others preponderate at others. Without this mutual disposition we are disjointed individuals, but not a society.”

From Washington Post ● Jan. 10, 2019

He specifically stated that "management of the institution must be genuinely international, without preponderate power of veto."

From Time Magazine Archive

These seek their complement in the other sex cell, but if the male micro-cellules preponderate in number over the female the result will be a male embryo, and vice versa.

From Time Magazine Archive

While it is true that some Reformed Congregations hold their services on Sunday, the preponderate number of them still cling to the traditional sabbath.

From Time Magazine Archive

It must have a great influence on Amy's mind, either for good or evil; and there was much reason to fear that the evil would preponderate.

From Amy Herbert by Elizabeth Sewell

We found that although the older houses preponderated, there were several streets of handsome residences.

From Yankee Girls in Zulu Land by Louise Vescelius-Sheldon

He was of dual nature,—and where the philosopher, the metaphysician and the divine preponderated in him, they completely over-weighted the exquisite, ethereal imagination, which was so infinitely more precious, had he known it.

From A Day with Samuel Taylor Coleridge by May Clarissa Gillington Byron

On exhausting the air, the bladder preponderated, and, by repeating the experiment with additional weights on the other arm until a balance was effected in the exhausted receiver, he determined the amount of the preponderance.

From Heroes of Science: Physicists by William Garnett

The Royal Audience, in reply, made its representations and protests, but finding that the power of the Governor preponderated, they yielded up the point in the mean time, and appealed to his Majesty.

From An Historical View of the Philippine Islands, Vol II (of 2) Exhibiting their discovery, population, language, government, manners, customs, productions and commerce. by Martinez de Zuniga

With the exception of boys—who certainly preponderated in Rutherford—there were far too few human beings to satisfy Audrey.

From Lover or Friend by Rosa Nouchette Carey

"The League cannot ignore the existence of Japan as a world power, and especially as a power with the preponderating position in Eastern Asia."

From Time Magazine Archive

Verily, my lord Bishop, your notion of what constitutes “clearly preponderating Evidence” must be freely admitted to be at once original and peculiar.

From The Revision Revised by John William Burgon

Bird’s-eye view of the Philippine Archipelago, showing the preponderating importance of Luzon.

From The American Occupation of the Philippines 1898-1912 by James H. Blount

He sees so much to say on all sides that he never clearly defines on which side lies the preponderating reasoning. 

From The Real Gladstone an Anecdotal Biography by J. Ewing (James Ewing) Ritchie

Each band is composed of mixed sexes, females preponderating.

From Wild Spain (Espa?a agreste) Records of Sport with Rifle, Rod, and Gun, Natural History Exploration by Walter J. Buck

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