|
|
Definitions for: Prevalent [adj] encountered generally especially at the present time; "the prevailing opinion was that a trade war could be averted"; "the most prevalent religion in our area"; "speculation concerning the books author was rife"
Webster (1913) Definition: Prev"a*lent, a. [L. praevalens, -entis, p. pr. of
praevalere. See Prevail.]
1. Gaining advantage or superiority; having superior force,
influence, or efficacy; prevailing; predominant;
successful; victorious.
Brennus told the Roman embassadors, that prevalent
arms were as good as any title. --Sir W.
Raleigh.
2. Most generally received or current; most widely adopted or
practiced; also, generally or extensively existing;
widespread; prevailing; as, a prevalent observance;
prevalent disease.
This was the most received and prevalent opinion.
--Woodward.
Syn: Prevailing; predominant; successful; efficacious;
powerful.
Usage: Prevalent, Prevailing. What customarily prevails
is prevalent; as, a prevalent fashion. What actually
prevails is prevailing; as, the prevailing winds are
west. Hence, prevailing is the livelier and more
pointed word, since it represents a thing in action.
It is sometimes the stronger word, since a thing may
prevail sufficiently to be called prevalent, and yet
require greater strength to make it actually
prevailing.
Synonyms: current, prevailing, rife
|
|
Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder
Scrabble Cheat
Words With Friends Cheat
Hanging With Friends Cheat
Scramble With Friends Cheat
Ruzzle Cheat
Related Resources: u letter animals animals starting with r animals begin with z |