DIMENSIONS: EVALUATION / Perspective
R E F E R E N C E S
Prevalence n. 1. of wide extent or accurrence. 2. in general use or acceptance. [< L praevalent- (s. of preaevaléns), prp. of praevalére to Prevail;
-Syn. common, extensive. See current.
Prevail v.i. 1. to exist everywhere or generally. 2. to appear or occur as the most important or conspicuous feature or element. 23. to be or prove superior in power or influence [usually fol. by over]. 4. to become dominant or win out. 5. to use persuasion or inducement successfully [usually fol. by on or upon]: Can you prevail on him to go? [ME prevaylle(n) (to) grow very strong < L praevalé(re) (to) be more able. See PRE-, -VALENT] -Syn. 2. preponderate. 3. overcome. -Ant. 3. lose.
Prevailing adj. 1. predominant. 2. generally current. 3. having superior power or influence. 4. effectual. -Syn. 1. preponderant, dominant; prevalent. 2. common. See current.
[Urdang, Laurence, ed. Random House Dictionary of The English Language. New York: Random House, 1968.]
Copyright
The contents of this site, including all images and text, are for personal, educational, non-commercial use only. The contents of this site may not be reproduced in any form without proper reference to Text, Author, Publisher, and Date of Publication [and page #s when suitable].