Words / C1

PREV-uh-l-uh-nt/ˈprevələnt/

Prevalent means common in a particular place, group, or period — widespread enough to notice. Native writers use it in social science and medicine: a prevalent belief, a prevalent disease. Common is everyday; widespread stresses geography. Dominant means it leads, not only that it occurs a lot. Prevalent among / in / at the time.

Meaning

Common in a particular place or at a particular time.

Examples

• “This idea is prevalent among young learners.”
• “Cash payments are still prevalent in some markets.”
• “That misconception is prevalent among first-year students.”

Good to know

prevalent in/among. Everyday: common. Stronger “in charge”: dominant.

Near in meaning

widespread

New