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Prevailed: meaning, definitions and examples

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prevailed

 

[ prɪˈveɪld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

overcome challenges

To prevail means to prove more powerful or superior in a particular situation. This can refer to winning a conflict or competition, overcoming obstacles, or achieving success against the odds. The term suggests a sense of endurance and resilience, emphasizing that while challenges may arise, the ability to triumph is possible. Often used in contexts involving struggle, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual, prevailing indicates a favorable outcome after a difficult period.

Synonyms

conquer, overcome, succeed, triumph, win

Examples of usage

  • After many trials, she prevailed in the competition.
  • The truth shall ultimately prevail over lies.
  • Despite the odds, they prevailed in their legal battle.

Translations

Translations of the word "prevailed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prevaleceu

🇮🇳 जीत लिया

🇩🇪 vorherrschte

🇮🇩 menguasai

🇺🇦 переміг

🇵🇱 zwyciężył

🇯🇵 支配した

🇫🇷 a prévalu

🇪🇸 prevaleció

🇹🇷 üstün geldi

🇰🇷 지배했다

🇸🇦 تغلب

🇨🇿 převládal

🇸🇰 prevládal

🇨🇳 占据了

🇸🇮 prevladal

🇮🇸 sigraði

🇰🇿 жеңді

🇬🇪 გაიმარჯვა

🇦🇿 üstün gəldi

🇲🇽 predominó

Etymology

The word 'prevail' originates from the Latin word 'praevalere', which means 'to be strong, to be powerful'. This Latin term is derived from the prefix 'prae-', meaning 'before' or 'in front of', combined with 'valere', which means 'to be strong'. The evolution into Old French as 'prevaloir' before entering Middle English as 'prevail' retained the core meanings related to power and strength. Over the centuries, the usage of 'prevail' has shifted slightly, but the central notion of overcoming strength and achieving superiority remains consistent. Today, 'prevail' is widely used in legal, personal, and societal contexts to emphasize the achievement of victory or success.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,884, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.