# predominant

/pɹɪˈdɑmənənt/ (US) · /pɹɪdˈɒmɪnənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/predominant
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. most common or frequent

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

being the most common or widespread thing in a particular place or group.

For teachers: present as the strongest or most frequent element; prevalent.

- The predominant language spoken in this neighborhood is Spanish.
- In this specific ecosystem, the predominant species of tree is the silver birch, which outnumbers all other varieties combined.

### 2. most powerful or important

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

having the most power, influence, or importance.

For teachers: exerting controlling power or influence; dominant in authority or effect.

- Economic concerns were the predominant factor in the government's decision.
- The predominant theme of the novel is the struggle for individual identity within a rigid social hierarchy.

### 3. music theory

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a specific chord in music that leads toward the main dominant chord.

For teachers: a chord or harmonic function that precedes and leads to the dominant chord, such as the supertonic or subdominant.

- The composer used a predominant chord to build tension before the final resolution.
- The analysis of the sonata highlights how the composer extended the predominant area to delay the arrival of the dominant seventh.

Usage: Usually functions as a noun in harmonic analysis.

## Examples

- The predominant color in the room is blue.
- In this region, the predominant language is Spanish, though many people also speak English for business.
- While several factors contributed to the company's success, the predominant reason was their ability to adapt quickly to shifting consumer demands during the economic downturn.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.