Skip to main content

prevailingexisting at a particular time; current or most common

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: existing at a particular time; current or most common

Pronunciation (IPA): /prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/

Example Sentences

  • Despite the prevailing belief that cats hate water, my cat loves taking baths.
  • The prevailing economic conditions make it difficult for young people to buy homes.
  • The prevailing fashion trend seems to be wearing pajamas to grocery stores.

prevailing

ADJECTIVE

[/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/]

existing at a particular time; current or most common

The tiny knight stood on the fallen dragon, becoming the prevailing hero on the battlefield.
💡 Concept

The tiny knight stood on the fallen dragon, becoming the prevailing hero on the battlefield.

PRE(forward) + VAIL(strength) — the prevailing champion keeps his strength ahead of everyone else.
🧠 Mnemonic

PRE(forward) + VAIL(strength) — the prevailing champion keeps his strength ahead of everyone else.

The prevailing snail crossed the finish line while the sleepy rabbit never woke up.
🎵 Rhyme

The prevailing snail crossed the finish line while the sleepy rabbit never woke up.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/
🇬🇧 UK/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpre--
Rootvail
Suffix--ing

Origin

From Latin 'praevalere' meaning 'to be stronger or superior,' composed of 'prae' (before/in front) and 'valere' (to be strong). The word entered English through Old French 'prevail' in the 14th century.

Breakdown

pre- (before/in front) + val (be strong, from Latin valere) + -ail (form suffix) + -ing (present participle) = prevailing

🎵Rhyme

sailingwailingtrailingfailing
sailing
wailing
trailing
failing

🔗Collocations

prevailing wind
prevailing opinion
prevailing conditions
prevailing culture
prevailing attitude
prevailing wisdom

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

Despite the prevailing belief that cats hate water, my cat loves taking baths.

The prevailing economic conditions make it difficult for young people to buy homes.

😄 Fun example

The prevailing fashion trend seems to be wearing pajamas to grocery stores.

Scientists study prevailing ocean currents to predict climate patterns.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

dominantcurrentwidespreadprevalentcommon

Antonyms

rareuncommonminority

Related

prevailprevalencepredominantlydominance

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.