prevail
prih-VAYL
Prevail (verb) means to win out or come out on top, especially after a struggle. Example: “Despite the setbacks, the underdog team prevailed in the final.”
verb
1
To win out or come out on top, especially after a struggle.
"Despite the setbacks, the underdog team prevailed in the final."
"Justice eventually prevailed and the wrongly accused man was freed."
"After a long debate, the wiser plan prevailed."
2
To be the most common or widespread condition; to be current.
"Calm weather prevailed across the region for most of the week."
"A sense of excitement prevailed in the village on the day of the fair."
"Old customs still prevail in many rural communities."
How to use prevail
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo win in the end, or to be the dominant, most common state of things.
Common pairings
prevail over
good prevails
prevailing winds
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like prevail.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- prevails
- Past tense
- prevailed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Despite the setbacks, the underdog team _____ in the final.
Etymology
From Latin praevalere, "to be more able, to be superior," from prae- ("before") + valere ("to be strong or able").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for prevail
See all rhymes for prevail →Frequently asked questions
What does “prevail” mean?
The word “prevail” means to win out or come out on top, especially after a struggle. In plain terms, to win in the end, or to be the dominant, most common state of things.
How do you pronounce “prevail”?
“Prevail” is pronounced prih-VAYL (/pɹɪˈveɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “prevail” in a sentence?
Here is “prevail” used in a sentence: “Despite the setbacks, the underdog team prevailed in the final.”
What part of speech is “prevail”?
“Prevail” is a verb.
Where does the word “prevail” come from?
The word “prevail” comes from Latin. From Latin praevalere, "to be more able, to be superior," from prae- ("before") + valere ("to be strong or able").
Is “prevail” a common word?
“Prevail” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “prevail” have?
“Prevail” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to win out or come out on top, especially after a struggle.
What is the difference between prevail and prevalent?
Prevail is a verb meaning to win out after a struggle or to be the most common condition, while prevalent is the related adjective describing something widespread or common. You would say an idea prevails in a debate, but a prevalent idea exists across a population.
When should you use prevail instead of win?
Prevail is often chosen over win in formal or literary contexts, especially when describing a difficult, prolonged struggle rather than a simple contest. It also carries a sense of eventual triumph despite opposition, which plain win does not always imply.
Can prevail mean something other than winning?
Yes. Prevail can also mean to be the most common or widespread condition at a given time, as in calm weather prevailed over the weekend. This sense describes prevalence rather than victory.
