Words / C1

pri-VAYL/prɪˈveɪl/

To prevail is to win out or be the most common after a struggle: reason prevailed, the prevailing view, prevail on someone (persuade, formal). Win and be common are everyday. Prevalent (already in the dictionary) is widespread — a cousin. Do not write prevail for a 51–49 vote as if it were destiny.

Meaning

To win or be most common after a struggle; also to persuade (prevail on).

Examples

• “Caution prevailed, and they withheld the press note until Monday.”
• “Caution prevailed, and they held the press note until the inspection closed.”
• “Win is everyday. The prevailing wind/view is the dominant one. Prevail on the dean is persuade. Prevalent is “common in a place/time”. A coin-flip vote is a win, not a mythic prevailing.”

Good to know

Win out / prove more powerful. Phrase: prevailing view; prevail on (persuade). Everyday: win. Cousin: prevalent (widespread). Not destiny-talk for 51%.

Near in meaning

win

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