prevail

[pri-veyl]

verb (used without object)

1. to be widespread or current; exist everywhere or generally.

   Silence prevailed along the funeral route.

2. to appear or occur as the more important or frequent feature or element; predominate.

   Green tints prevail in the upholstery.

   Synonyms: preponderate

3. to be or prove superior in strength, power, or influence (usually followed byover ).

   They prevailed over their enemies in the battle.

   Synonyms: overcome
   Antonyms: lose

4. to succeed; become dominant; win out.

   to wish that the right side might prevail.

5. to use persuasion or inducement successfully.

   He prevailed upon us to accompany him.

prevail

/ prɪˈveɪl /

verb

1. to prove superior; gain mastery

   skill will prevail

2. to be or appear as the most important feature; be prevalent

3. to exist widely; be in force

4. to succeed in persuading or inducing

Other Word Forms

• prevailer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevail¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English prevayllen “to grow very strong,” from Latin praevalēre “to be more able,” equivalent to prae- “before, in front” + valēre “to be strong”; pre-, prevalent

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevail¹

C14: from Latin praevalēre to be superior in strength, from prae beyond + valēre to be strong

Example Sentences

Some tech companies have prevailed in copyright lawsuits filed against them.

From Los Angeles Times

Patrick Mahomes has something to prove, and while Justin Herbert and the Chargers usually keep it close, the Chiefs’ balance prevails.

From Los Angeles Times

"It seems to me that if common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution to end this conflict," Putin said.

From BBC

Cardi B has prevailed in a civil lawsuit brought against her by a Beverly Hills security guard after two days of testimony from the rapper that was sometimes colorful and drew laughter from jurors.

From Los Angeles Times

“It shows that there is this prevailing threat toward journalists of all types, but in particular it can happen to independent journalists,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abound 
• beat 
• overcome 
• prove 
• reign 
• succeed 
• triumph 
• win