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Prevalence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prevalence

[ˈprɛvələns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in statistics

The prevalence refers to the proportion of a particular population found to be affected by a condition or characteristic at a particular time.

Synonyms

frequency, incidence, occurrence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prevalence

Used to describe how common or widespread something is within a specific area or group of people, often in the context of diseases or behaviors.

  • The prevalence of diabetes in the elderly population is increasing
  • The prevalence of smoking has decreased over the decades
frequency

Refers to how often something happens over a particular period of time. It is often used in everyday situations or scientific contexts.

  • The frequency of bus service has increased to every 15 minutes
  • Due to high frequency of exams, students are always stressed
occurrence

Describes the fact of something happening, especially an event or incident. Often used in more formal or detailed descriptions.

  • The occurrence of natural disasters has been on the rise due to climate change
  • The occurrence of errors in the system has significantly decreased after the update
incidence

Focuses on the number of new cases of a disease or event in a specific period of time. Used mainly in medical, scientific, or statistical contexts.

  • The incidence of flu cases peaks in winter
  • There has been a higher incidence of car accidents in the area recently

Examples of usage

  • The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is on the rise.
  • The study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among adolescents in the region.
Context #2 | Noun

in general

The fact or condition of being prevalent; commonness.

Synonyms

pervasiveness, ubiquity, widespreadness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prevalence

Use this word when referring to how common or widespread something is, often in a statistical or medical context. It frequently appears in discussions about diseases, behaviors, or conditions.

  • The prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing over the past decade.
  • Researchers are studying the prevalence of mental health issues among teenagers.
pervasiveness

This word is suitable for highlighting how something spreads throughout or is present everywhere within a particular environment or group. It implies a degree of thoroughness and intensity.

  • The pervasiveness of social media in modern life is undeniable.
  • The pervasiveness of corruption in the organization shocked everyone.
ubiquity

Ideal for describing something that seems to be present everywhere at the same time. It often carries a slight connotation of inevitability or unavoidability.

  • The ubiquity of smartphones has transformed communication.
  • The ubiquity of fast-food restaurants can be overwhelming in urban areas.
widespreadness

This is used to describe the large-scale distribution or occurrence of something across a wide area or among many people. It is usually neutral and straightforward.

  • The widespreadness of the internet has changed the way we access information.
  • There is a widespreadness of support for the new policy among the citizens.

Examples of usage

  • There was a prevalence of misinformation on social media.
  • The prevalence of fast food chains in urban areas is concerning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Public Health

  • In epidemiology, prevalence refers to the total number of cases of a disease in a given population at a specific time.
  • High prevalence of a health issue often leads to increased awareness and funding for research and treatment.

Sociology

  • Prevalence can denote social behaviors, such as the prevalence of smoking or drinking in different cultures.
  • Understanding prevalence helps sociologists analyze trends in society and suggest policy changes.

Education

  • In educational settings, prevalence may refer to the commonness of learning disabilities among students.
  • Teachers use prevalence data to identify needs for resources and support for affected students.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the prevalence of mental health issues like anxiety is often evaluated to improve public resources.
  • Research shows that awareness of the prevalence of mental health conditions can reduce stigma associated with them.

Origin of 'prevalence'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'praevalent', which means 'to be strong' or 'to prevail'.
  • It entered English in the early 17th century, reflecting its roots in the concept of strength and dominance.

The word 'prevalence' originated from the Latin word 'praevalentia', which means superiority or prevalence. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of prevalence is crucial in epidemiology and statistics to understand the spread and impact of various conditions or characteristics in a population.

See also: prevail, prevailing, prevalent.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,250 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.