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prevailing
Definitions
(2)
1
adjective
The
most
common
or
widespread
in
a
particular
area
or
at
a
particular
time
.
The
prevailing
opinion
among
scientists
is
that
climate
change
is
a
significant
threat
.
The
prevailing
winds
in
this
region
come
from
the
west
.
The
prevailing
fashion
this
season
is
all
about
bright
colors
.
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Word games
2
adjective
Having
superior
power
or
influence
;
dominant
.
The
prevailing
team
in
the
tournament
was
undefeated
.
Her
prevailing
influence
in
the
company
led
to
many
positive
changes
.
The
prevailing
mood
at
the
meeting
was
one
of
optimism
.
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Word games
Word Origin
Language
Latin
Original word
praevalēre
Word parts
prae (before) + valēre (to be strong)
Originally meant
to be stronger or more powerful
Background
The word 'prevailing' comes from the Latin 'praevalēre', which means to be stronger or more powerful. It entered English in the late Middle Ages, reflecting the idea of dominance or widespread presence.