What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overcome
Example
She was able to overcome her fear of public speaking by practicing regularly. [overcome: verb]
Example
The team was able to overcome the odds and win the championship. [overcome: verb]
prevail
Example
After a long legal battle, justice finally prevailed. [prevailed: past tense]
Example
The power of love and hope prevailed over fear and despair. [prevailed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overcome is more commonly used than prevail in everyday language. Overcome is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prevail is less common and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overcome and prevail?
While overcome is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, prevail is more formal and often used in academic or professional settings.
