prevailing
Prevailing (adj) means Most common, widespread, or dominant at a particular time. Example: “The prevailing view among economists is that rates will rise next year.”
How to use prevailing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes whatever opinion, condition, or trend is currently dominant.
Word forms
more prevailing comparative, most prevailing superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ view among economists is that rates will rise next year.
Etymology
From prevail + -ing.
Related words
Rhymes for prevailing
See all rhymes for prevailing →Frequently asked questions
What does “prevailing” mean?
The word “prevailing” means most common, widespread, or dominant at a particular time. In plain terms, describes whatever opinion, condition, or trend is currently dominant.
How do you pronounce “prevailing”?
“Prevailing” is pronounced prih-VAY-lihng (/pɹɪˈveɪ.lɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “prevailing” in a sentence?
Here is “prevailing” used in a sentence: “The prevailing view among economists is that rates will rise next year.”
What is another word for “prevailing”?
Words with a similar meaning to “prevailing” include ubiquitous.
What part of speech is “prevailing”?
“Prevailing” is an adjective.
Is “prevailing” a common word?
“Prevailing” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between prevailing and prevalent?
Prevailing and prevalent both describe something widespread or dominant, but prevailing is typically used with reference to a specific time or moment, such as prevailing winds or the prevailing mood, while prevalent more often describes general commonness across a population or area.
What kinds of nouns does prevailing typically describe?
Prevailing commonly pairs with words like winds, conditions, attitude, opinion, or wage, referring to whatever is currently dominant or standard in a given context. It is frequently used in weather, economic, and social discussions.
Is prevailing used in formal or everyday writing?
Prevailing appears in both, but it is especially common in formal, technical, and journalistic writing, such as legal, meteorological, or economic reports referring to prevailing rates or prevailing conditions.