English Explanatory Dictionary

prevail

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To be superior in strength, dominance, influence, or frequency; to have or gain the advantage over others; to have the upper hand; to outnumber others.
  2. To triumph; to be victorious.
  3. To be current, widespread, or predominant; to have currency or prevalence.
  4. To succeed in persuading or inducing.
  5. To avail.

Pronunciation

/pɹɪˈveɪl/ en-us-prevail.ogg /pɹɪˈvæɪl/ /pɹəˈvæɪl/

Word forms

prevail prevails prevailing prevailed prævail prævaile prævale

Etymology

From Middle English prevailen, from Old French prevaler, from Latin praevaleō (“be very able or more able, be superior, prevail”), from prae (“before”) + valeō (“be able or powerful”). Displaced native Old English rīcsian.

Related words

prevalence prevalent

Derived words

cooler heads must prevail cooler heads prevail cooler heads will prevail cool heads must prevail cool heads prevail cool heads will prevail prevailer prevailment prevail upon saner heads prevail saner heads will prevail
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