Word
predominate
Phoneticspre·dom·i·nate, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹɪˈdɑməˌneɪt/
UK/pɹɪdˈɒmɪnˌeɪt/
Definition
v. to be the largest, strongest, or most common part of something. You use it when one thing fills most of a place or controls a situation.
v. to constitute the greater part, number, or controlling influence within a group, area, or process. Often describes numerical majority or prevailing character rather than active domination.
Examples
“Tall trees predominate in this part of the forest.”
“In our neighborhood, small family shops predominate over large chain stores.”
“In the early drafts of the novel, descriptive passages predominate, slowing the plot until the final revision restores balance between action and reflection.”
Examples
simple
“Tall trees predominate in this part of the forest.”
contextual
“In our neighborhood, small family shops predominate over large chain stores.”
complex
“In the early drafts of the novel, descriptive passages predominate, slowing the plot until the final revision restores balance between action and reflection.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “predominate” in context.
Verb
01. predominate among
“Smoking-related illnesses predominate among older male patients.”
verb + prep
02. predominate in
“Imported goods predominate in local shops during the winter season.”
verb + prep
03. predominate over
“Male managers still predominate over female managers in finance.”
verb + prep
Adjective
04. currently predominate
“Discount retailers currently predominate in the high street market.”
adv + verb
05. largely predominate
“Private cars largely predominate over public transport in the suburbs.”
adv + verb
06. overwhelmingly predominate
“Text messages overwhelmingly predominate among teenagers' daily communication.”
adv + verb
07. continue to predominate in farming
“Small family holdings continue to predominate in farming across the region.”
08. males predominate over females
“Males predominate over females in engineering, IT and construction.”
09. predominate in rural areas
“Old petrol cars predominate in rural areas despite new regulations.”
10. tend to predominate in cities
“Large chain hotels tend to predominate in cities popular with tourists.”
11. women predominate among teachers
“Women predominate among teachers in most primary schools today.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive and takes no direct object; often followed by 'in' or 'over'.
Pitfall
Cars predominate the streets
Cars predominate in the streets
Predominate is intransitive and needs a preposition, unlike the transitive 'dominate'.
Real-World Examples
“The gender-specific results reveal that girls are more likely to be victims of bullying, while boys predominate in the group involved in multiple contexts.” “In the areas of most recent expansion, however, expenditures related to conquest and territorial occupation predominated.” “The White House Cuba report exemplifies the false binaries that predominate in discussions about Cuba on both the left and right.” Etymology
From Latin praedominātus, past participle of praedominor. By surface analysis, pre- + dominate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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