prevail Definition
- 1prove more powerful or superior
- 2be widespread in a particular area or at a particular time
- 3persuade (someone) to do something
Using prevail: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "prevail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Good will always prevail over evil.
Example
The custom of shaking hands prevailed in the West.
Example
She managed to prevail upon him to take the job.
Example
Despite the odds, the team managed to prevail in the championship.
prevail Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using prevail
Example
In the interest of fairness, we should let the truth prevail.
Example
I finally prevailed upon him to come to the party.
Example
The team prevailed against all odds to win the championship.
Phrases with prevail
the most frequent wind direction in a particular place
Example
The prevailing wind in this region is from the west.
the opinion that is most commonly held or accepted
Example
The prevailing opinion among scientists is that climate change is caused by human activity.
the wage paid to the majority of workers in a particular area or industry
Example
The government has set a minimum prevailing wage for workers in the construction industry.
Origins of prevail
from Latin 'praevalere', meaning 'be stronger'
Summary: prevail in Brief
The verb 'prevail' [prɪˈveɪl] means to prove more powerful or superior, to be widespread in a particular area or at a particular time, or to persuade someone to do something. It can be used in contexts such as 'Good will always prevail over evil.' and 'She managed to prevail upon him to take the job.' Phrases like 'prevailing wind' and 'prevailing opinion' denote the most frequent wind direction or commonly held opinion, while idioms like 'let prevail' and 'prevail against all odds' imply allowing something to happen or succeeding despite difficult circumstances.
