Definitions
- Describing something that is dominant or most common in a particular situation or place. - Referring to a trend or opinion that is widely accepted or popular. - Talking about a condition or circumstance that is currently existing or happening.
- Describing something that is present or occurring over a large area or among many people. - Referring to a phenomenon or issue that affects a significant portion of the population or territory. - Talking about a belief or practice that is common or prevalent across different regions or cultures.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is common or prevalent.
- 2Both words can be used to refer to a trend, opinion, or condition.
- 3Both words can be used to describe something that affects a large area or population.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Prevailing refers to what is dominant or most common in a particular situation or place, while widespread describes something that is present or occurring over a large area or among many people.
- 2Emphasis: Prevailing emphasizes what is currently happening or existing, while widespread emphasizes the extent or distribution of something.
- 3Usage: Prevailing is often used to describe opinions, attitudes, or conditions, while widespread is more commonly used to describe phenomena, issues, or practices.
- 4Connotation: Prevailing can have a neutral connotation, while widespread can sometimes imply a negative or undesirable aspect of the described phenomenon or issue.
Remember this!
Prevailing and widespread are synonyms that describe something that is common or prevalent. However, prevailing emphasizes what is dominant or most common in a particular situation or place, while widespread emphasizes the extent or distribution of something. Prevailing is often used to describe opinions, attitudes, or conditions, while widespread is more commonly used to describe phenomena, issues, or practices.
