Meaning of the Word
Prevail means to be victorious, succeed, or triumph over challenges or obstacles. It can also refer to something being widespread, common, or dominant in a particular situation.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- To win or be triumphant in a contest or struggle.
- To be widespread or dominant in a particular place, situation, or group.
- To be more powerful or influential in a given circumstance, often overcoming opposition.
History and Origin
The word prevail comes from the Middle English prevailen, derived from Old French prevailer, which in turn comes from the Latin praevalere, meaning “to be stronger” or “to be more powerful.” The term has been used in English since the 14th century, primarily referring to the idea of victory or success over others, whether in battle, argument, or other forms of competition.
Detailed Explanation
To prevail is to come out on top, especially when faced with difficulties or opposition. It suggests overcoming obstacles or adversaries to achieve success or dominance. This term is often used in both literal and figurative contexts. For instance, in legal settings, one might say a party “prevailed” in a lawsuit if they won the case. It can also apply to broader situations, such as ideas or trends that “prevail” in a culture or time period, meaning they dominate or are most influential.
The use of prevail in relation to widespread ideas suggests that something has been accepted or established as the norm or the dominant belief or practice.
Example Sentences
- Despite the challenges, justice eventually prevailed in the courtroom.
- Her determination helped her prevail over all obstacles in her career.
- The forces of peace prevailed after years of conflict.
- In the end, the truth will prevail, and lies will be exposed.
- The popular trend continues to prevail in fashion circles worldwide.
- The team worked tirelessly, and their hard work prevailed in the championship game.
- The peaceful protestors prevailed in getting the law changed.
- After the debate, it was clear that logic and reason prevailed over emotion.
- The good in the world will always prevail over evil.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Triumph – To achieve a victory or success, often used in the context of overcoming challenges.
- Succeed – To achieve a desired outcome or result, often in overcoming opposition or difficulties.
- Overcome – To defeat or get past something, especially a challenge or obstacle.
- Conquer – To successfully defeat an opponent or challenge, implying dominance or control.
- Win – To achieve victory or success in a contest or competition.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Dominance – The state of being more powerful or influential, similar to prevailing in a situation.
- Victory – The success achieved after overcoming a challenge or adversary, closely related to prevailing.
- Influence – The ability to affect the outcomes of a situation, often seen when one side prevails.
- Authority – The power or right to make decisions, often associated with those who prevail in matters of leadership.
- Success – The accomplishment of a goal or aim, often resulting from prevailing over difficulties.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Mastery – The complete control or dominance over something, implying that one has prevailed over it.
- Reign – The period of rule or control by someone, such as a monarch, who prevails over a nation.
- Ascendancy – The state of being in a dominant position, akin to prevailing over others.
- Prevalence – The state of being widespread or common, often used to describe ideas or trends that prevail.
- Resilience – The ability to recover and succeed despite adversity, often used when someone prevails after difficulty.
Antonyms
- Fail – To be unsuccessful, the opposite of prevailing in a situation.
- Lose – To be defeated or to not succeed in a contest or competition, the opposite of prevailing.
- Surrender – To give up or yield to the opposition, contrasting with the idea of prevailing by resisting or winning.
- Submit – To accept defeat or to give in, which opposes the concept of prevailing.
- Defeat – The state of being overcome or not succeeding, the opposite of prevailing.
