Prevalent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
prevalent
[หprษvษlษnt ]
Definitions
in society
Widespread in a particular area at a particular time. Prevalent refers to something that is common or widespread in a particular society or area.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prevalent |
Used to describe something that is widespread in a particular area or among a particular group of people.
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| common |
Used to describe something that occurs frequently or is shared by many people or things.
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| widespread |
Used to describe something that is found or occurs over a large area or among many people.
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| rampant |
Used to describe something negative or harmful that is spreading quickly and uncontrollably.
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Examples of usage
- Obesity is prevalent in Western countries.
- Violence is prevalent in some urban areas.
- The flu virus is prevalent during the winter months.
in research
Existing or most commonly encountered in a particular field of study. Prevalent refers to something that is dominant or most commonly found in a specific research area.
Synonyms
dominant, most common, predominant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prevalent |
Used to describe something that is widely existent or generally accepted in a particular time or place.
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| dominant |
Used to indicate something that is the most powerful, important, or influential in a particular context or group.
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| most common |
Used to describe something that appears more frequently than anything else in a particular context or among a group.
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| predominant |
Used to describe something that is the most noticeable or important among a group, suggesting that it surpasses others in significance or prevalence.
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Examples of usage
- This theory is prevalent in psychology research.
- Prevalent themes in literature often reflect societal issues.
- Prevalent methodologies in biology research have evolved over time.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Society
- In modern contexts, prevalent issues like pollution and climate change affect global societies significantly.
- Awareness of mental health is more prevalent today than in previous decades, impacting public discourse.
- Social media trends often spread prevalent messages rapidly across different cultures.
Science
- In epidemiology, the prevalence of a disease refers to how widespread it is within a given population.
- Certain species in ecology can be considered prevalent if they dominate a specific habitat or ecosystem.
- Prevalent theories often shape research methods and funding priorities in scientific studies.
Pop Culture
- In the early 2000s, the prevalence of reality TV reshaped entertainment, influencing many cultural trends.
- Fashion trends can become prevalent quickly, with styles shifting from niche to mainstream in just seasons.
- Gaming culture has become prevalent among younger demographics, influencing social and educational discussions.
Literature
- The theme of prevalent societal issues such as injustice and inequality is often explored in classic literature.
- In poetry, prevalent emotions can reflect the current state of society and resonate with readers universally.
- Many authors depict prevalent motifs in their works, showcasing cultural concerns that mirror their times.
Origin of 'prevalent'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'praevalens', meaning 'being strong, powerful, or vigorous'.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally linked to strength in a social context.
- In earlier usage, it frequently described ideas or beliefs that were dominant in society.
The word 'prevalent' comes from the Latin word 'praevalent-' meaning 'having superior force'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'prevalent' has been used to describe things that are widespread, dominant, or common in various contexts.
See also: prevail, prevailing, prevalence.