prevailing
prevailing Lexical Profile
prevailing Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Existing at a particular time; current, widespread, or most dominant in a given area or among a group.
"The prevailing view among economists is that interest rates will remain steady through the end of the quarter."
Denoting a wind, ocean current, or weather pattern that blows or moves predominantly from a single general direction throughout a region.
"Coastal architects designed the cottages to face away from the prevailing westerly winds."
• verb
To prove more powerful than opposing forces; to be victorious or triumph (present participle of prevail).
"Despite early setbacks in the tournament, the defending champions are prevailing over their rivals."
To be widespread, predominant, or current in a particular area or at a particular time (present participle of prevail).
"A sense of optimism is finally prevailing across the local business community."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an adjective, 'prevailing' is used almost exclusively in the attributive position (directly before a noun, as in 'the prevailing opinion' or 'prevailing winds') rather than after a linking verb.
• Rhymes for prevailing
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 16th century as the participial adjective of 'prevail', which comes via Old French from the Latin 'praevalere', meaning 'to have greater power' (from 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'valere' meaning 'to be strong').