prevail

[pri-veyl]

verb (used without object)

1. to be widespread or current; exist everywhere or generally.

   Silence prevailed along the funeral route.

2. to appear or occur as the more important or frequent feature or element; predominate.

   Green tints prevail in the upholstery.

   Synonyms: preponderate

3. to be or prove superior in strength, power, or influence (usually followed byover ).

   They prevailed over their enemies in the battle.

   Synonyms: overcome
   Antonyms: lose

4. to succeed; become dominant; win out.

   to wish that the right side might prevail.

5. to use persuasion or inducement successfully.

   He prevailed upon us to accompany him.

prevail

/ prɪˈveɪl /

verb

1. to prove superior; gain mastery

   skill will prevail

2. to be or appear as the most important feature; be prevalent

3. to exist widely; be in force

4. to succeed in persuading or inducing

Other Word Forms

• prevailer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevail¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English prevayllen “to grow very strong,” from Latin praevalēre “to be more able,” equivalent to prae- “before, in front” + valēre “to be strong”; pre-, prevalent

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevail¹

C14: from Latin praevalēre to be superior in strength, from prae beyond + valēre to be strong

Example Sentences

Homeownership costs vary widely based on location, property tax, HOA fees, maintenance, insurance, and the prevailing interest rates, which are still too high for many would-be buyers.

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“I don’t believe people don’t want comedy,” he says, against prevailing Hollywood trends.

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Though the moratorium remains in effect, more changes to the prevailing legislative thinking on staircases could be coming soon.

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“And we will continue to organize, pray, advocate and stand shoulder-to-shoulder until justice prevails.”

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In situations where “you can’t have an independent response,” Almond said, a person is more likely to accede to the room’s prevailing opinion.

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Related Words

• abound 
• beat 
• overcome 
• prove 
• reign 
• succeed 
• triumph 
• win