prevail — to be widespread or current in a particular area or at a particular time
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to be widespread or current in a particular area or at a particular time
Pronunciation (IPA): /prɪˈveɪl/
Example Sentences
- Despite the teacher's efforts, chaos prevailed in the classroom when the fire alarm went off during the math test.
- In the battle between pizza and salad, pizza always prevails among teenagers.
- The company hopes that quality will prevail over cheap competition.
prevail
VERB[/prɪˈveɪl/]
to be widespread or current in a particular area or at a particular time
The tiny knight stood on the fallen dragon, proving that courage can prevail.
PRE(forward) + VAIL(strength) — to prevail is to push your strength forward and win the arm-wrestling match.
While the tired rabbit slept, the slow snail crossed the finish line to prevail.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'praevalere', composed of 'prae' (before/beforehand) and 'valere' (to be strong/to be worth). The word entered English through Old French 'prevaleir'.
Breakdown
prae- (before/beforehand) + valere (to be strong/powerful) = prevail (to be stronger or have greater influence)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Despite the teacher's efforts, chaos prevailed in the classroom when the fire alarm went off during the math test.”
“In the battle between pizza and salad, pizza always prevails among teenagers.”
“The company hopes that quality will prevail over cheap competition.”
“She prevailed upon her parents to let her go to the concert by promising perfect grades.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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