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View synonyms for

prevalent

[ prev-uh-luhnt ]

adjective

  1. widespread; of wide extent or occurrence; in general use or acceptance.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms: ,

  2. having the superiority or ascendancy.
  3. Archaic. effectual or efficacious.


prevalent

/ ˈɛəəԳ /

adjective

  1. widespread or current
  2. superior in force or power; predominant
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈ𱹲Գٱ, adverb
  • ˈ𱹲Գ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • a·Գ a·Գ·Ա noun
  • a·Գ· adverb
  • ԴDz·a·Գ adjective
  • non·a·Գ· adverb
  • ܲ·a·Գ adjective
  • un·a·Գ· adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of prevalent1

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin praevalent-, stem of 𱹲ŧԲ “having superior force,” present participle of 𱹲ŧ “to be more able, have superior force”; prevail
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Word History and Origins

Origin of prevalent1

C16 (in the sense: powerful): from Latin praevalens very strong, from 𱹲ŧ: see prevail
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

So how have shirts sponsorships in the Premier League changed over the decades, and why are gambling firms more prevalent?

From

The government has urged people to get vaccinated ahead of the Easter weekend, a time when many Colombians travel to warmer areas where the mosquitos that spread the disease are more prevalent.

From

But I feel like for L.A., since gang culture is so prevalent out here too, there’s a level of affiliation with how people skate.

From

This was particularly prevalent early on, though in the second half he spent more time on the bench conversing with staff as the flow of the game changed.

From

When it came to interactions between the managers and match officials, it was no huge surprise that was most prevalent in the game containing three red cards.

From

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When To Use

are other ways to say prevalent?

Something that is prevalent is widespread or in general use or acceptance. How is this adjective different from prevailing and current? Find out on .

More About Prevalent

does prevalent mean?

Prevalent means widespread, in general use, or widely accepted.

The noun form of prevalent is prevalence.

Example: Social media use is so prevalent among teens that it’s often linked to the rise in mental health issues like anxiety.

Where does prevalent come from?

The first records of the word prevalent come from around the 1500s. It ultimately derives from the Latin 𱹲ŧ, meaning “to have superior strength” or “to prevail.” (The word prevail is also based on this word.)

Prevalent is often used in discussions of how widespread things are, such as in society or within a particular culture. If a belief is described as prevalent, it means it’s widely accepted in general or among a certain group of people. A disease may be described as prevalent in certain areas or in certain groups of people. Certain types of animals are prevalent in certain regions and rare in others. Memes are prevalent on social media. If something is becoming more prevalent, it’s becoming more widespread.

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are some other forms of prevalent?

are some synonyms for prevalent?

are some words that share a root or word element with prevalent?

are some words that often get used in discussing prevalent?

How is prevalent used in real life?

Fittingly, prevalent is a common word. It’s often used in discussions about widespread cultural phenomena.

Try using prevalent!

Which of the following words is LEAST likely to be used to describe something that’s prevalent?

A. widespread
B. common
C. rare
D. ubiquitous

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prevalenceprevaricate