Definitions for: Prevalent


[adj] encountered generally especially at the present time; "the prevailing opinion was that a trade war could be averted"; "the most prevalent religion in our area"; "speculation concerning the books author was rife"



Webster (1913) Definition: Prev"a*lent, a. [L. praevalens, -entis, p. pr. of
praevalere. See Prevail.]
1. Gaining advantage or superiority; having superior force,
influence, or efficacy; prevailing; predominant;
successful; victorious.

Brennus told the Roman embassadors, that prevalent
arms were as good as any title. --Sir W.
Raleigh.

2. Most generally received or current; most widely adopted or
practiced; also, generally or extensively existing;
widespread; prevailing; as, a prevalent observance;
prevalent disease.

This was the most received and prevalent opinion.
--Woodward.

Syn: Prevailing; predominant; successful; efficacious;
powerful.

Usage: Prevalent, Prevailing. What customarily prevails
is prevalent; as, a prevalent fashion. What actually
prevails is prevailing; as, the prevailing winds are
west. Hence, prevailing is the livelier and more
pointed word, since it represents a thing in action.
It is sometimes the stronger word, since a thing may
prevail sufficiently to be called prevalent, and yet
require greater strength to make it actually
prevailing.

Synonyms: current, prevailing, rife

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