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Prevail: meaning, definitions and examples

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prevail

 

[ prɪˈveɪl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

influence

prove more powerful or superior in a battle, conflict, or competition; be victorious.

Synonyms

conquer, succeed, triumph, win

Examples of usage

  • The government prevailed in the election.
  • She prevailed over her competitors with her exceptional skills.
  • If we work hard, we will prevail in the end.
Context #2 | Verb

exist

be widespread in a particular area at a particular time.

Synonyms

be common, be prevalent, dominate

Examples of usage

  • During the flu season, sickness prevails in the community.
  • An atmosphere of fear prevailed throughout the country.

Translations

Translations of the word "prevail" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prevalecer

🇮🇳 प्रबल होना

🇩🇪 vorherrschen

🇮🇩 menang

🇺🇦 переважати

🇵🇱 przeważać

🇯🇵 優勢である

🇫🇷 prévaloir

🇪🇸 prevalecer

🇹🇷 üstün gelmek

🇰🇷 우세하다

🇸🇦 سائد

🇨🇿 převládat

🇸🇰 prevládať

🇨🇳 占上风

🇸🇮 prevladovati

🇮🇸 ráða

🇰🇿 үстемдік ету

🇬🇪 გადაჭარბება

🇦🇿 üstünlük təşkil etmək

🇲🇽 prevalecer

Word origin

The word 'prevail' originated from the Latin word 'praevalere', which means 'to have superior strength'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over the centuries, 'prevail' has been used to describe the act of proving superiority or influence, both in physical battles and in broader contexts. The word has evolved to encompass various meanings related to success, dominance, and prevalence.

See also: prevailing, prevalence, prevalent.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,663 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.