Word
prevailing
Phoneticspre·vail·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹiˈveɪɫɪŋ/
UK/pɹɪvˈeɪlɪŋ/
Definitions
01most common or widespread
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. existing or happening most of the time in a specific place.
adj. predominant or most frequent within a particular area or period.
Español:prevaleciente
“The prevailing wind in this coastal town usually blows from the west.”
“The architect oriented the building to account for the prevailing winds, ensuring natural ventilation throughout the summer months.”
Usage
Often used to describe weather patterns or environmental conditions.
Synonyms
02current general opinion
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. the most common way of thinking or acting at a certain time.
adj. denoting the generally accepted or most influential opinion, attitude, or style at a given time.
“The prevailing view among experts is that the economy will improve next year.”
“Despite the prevailing mood of optimism in the markets, several senior analysts warned of a potential correction in the tech sector.”
Usage
Frequently collocates with 'view', 'mood', 'attitude', or 'opinion'.
03winning or succeeding
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. the act of being stronger or more successful than others.
v. the present participle of 'prevail', meaning to prove superior in strength or influence.
“After a long struggle, justice is finally prevailing in the court case.”
“The logic of the argument is prevailing over emotional appeals, leading the committee toward a more rational consensus.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'over'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “prevailing” in context.
Adjective
01. prevailing condition
“The pilot had to adjust the flight path based on the prevailing conditions at the airport.”
adj + noun
02. concurrent prevailing
Real-World Examples
“He goes against prevailing norms of sexual and religious purity.” “Predicting a storm’s track—which direction it’s traveling—requires data about weather on a global scale, taking in information such as the location of cold fronts and prevailing winds.” “It would be unfair.” But she is on a drive to puncture the prevailing narrative that the best way to address online harms is a social media ban for teenagers.” Etymology
By surface analysis, prevail + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/prevailing
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0