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Prevailing: meaning, definitions and examples

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prevailing

 

[ prɪˈveɪlɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

weather

existing at a particular time; current.

Synonyms

current, dominant, existing

Examples of usage

  • The prevailing winds are from the northwest.
  • There is a prevailing sense of optimism in the city.
Context #2 | Adjective

opinion

generally accepted, done, or happening.

Synonyms

accepted, common, usual

Examples of usage

  • The prevailing attitude towards the new policy is positive.
  • In the prevailing circumstances, we have no choice but to proceed.

Translations

Translations of the word "prevailing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 predominante

🇮🇳 प्रचलित

🇩🇪 vorherrschend

🇮🇩 dominan

🇺🇦 панівний

🇵🇱 przeważający

🇯🇵 支配的な

🇫🇷 dominant

🇪🇸 predominante

🇹🇷 egemen

🇰🇷 우세한

🇸🇦 سائد

🇨🇿 převládající

🇸🇰 prevládajúci

🇨🇳 占优势的

🇸🇮 prevladujoč

🇮🇸 ráðandi

🇰🇿 басым

🇬🇪 გაბატონებული

🇦🇿 üstün

🇲🇽 predominante

Word origin

The word 'prevailing' originates from the verb 'prevail', which comes from the Latin word 'praevalere', meaning 'have greater power'. The adjective 'prevailing' emerged in Middle English, referring to what is predominant or most common at a given time. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a wide range of contexts, from weather patterns to prevailing opinions.

See also: prevail, prevalence, prevalent.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,213, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.