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prevail

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //pɹiˈveɪɫ// UK //pɹɪvˈeɪl// pre·vail Archaic

v. to win or be more powerful than something else after a long struggle. It means that the better or stronger side finally succeeds.

v. to prove superior in strength, power, or influence; to triumph over opposing forces. Often used in contexts where a specific quality or idea eventually succeeds despite significant resistance.


SIMPLE

Common sense will eventually prevail in this situation.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the heavy rain and strong winds, the rescue team's determination helped them prevail.

COMPLEX

The legal team remained confident that justice would prevail once the jury reviewed the physical evidence that had been suppressed during the initial hearing.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English prevailen, from Old French prevaler, from Latin praevaleō (“be very able or more able, be superior, prevail”), from prae (“before”) + valeō (“be able or powerful”). Displaced native Old English rīcsian.

Usage

The verb is intransitive and frequently takes the preposition 'over' or 'against'.

Pitfall

they prevailed the enemythey prevailed over the enemyPrevail is intransitive; it requires the preposition 'over' to connect to an opponent or obstacle.

Idioms1 entry

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