What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prevailing
Example
The prevailing attitude towards climate change is that it is a serious threat. [prevailing: adjective]
Example
The prevailing winds in this region are from the west. [prevailing: adjective]
Example
The prevailing style of clothing this season is oversized and comfortable. [prevailing: adjective]
ruling
Example
The Supreme Court issued a ruling on the case yesterday. [ruling: noun]
Example
The ruling party won the election by a large margin. [ruling: adjective]
Example
The ruling elite controls most of the country's wealth and resources. [ruling: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ruling is less common than prevailing in everyday language. Prevailing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ruling is more specific and often used in political or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prevailing and ruling?
Prevailing is more commonly used in academic or formal contexts, while ruling is more commonly used in political or legal contexts. Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
