# prevalent

/ˈpɹɛvəɫənt/ (US) · /pɹˈɛvələnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prevalent
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. widespread or common

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

existing commonly or happening often in a particular place or group of people.

For teachers: widespread or widely prevalent; occurring frequently within a specific context or population.

- The flu is more prevalent during the cold winter months.
- These beliefs are still prevalent in many rural communities, despite the rapid modernisation of the surrounding urban centres.

Usage: Often used with 'among' or 'in' to specify the group or location affected.

### 2. dominant or superior

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

having the most power or being the most frequent type in a group.

For teachers: predominant or superior in force, number, or influence.

- The prevalent opinion among the experts was that the economy would improve.
- The prevalent winds in this region blow from the west, significantly impacting the local climate and vegetation patterns.

### 3. a common species

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of plant or animal that is very common in a specific area.

For teachers: an organism or species that is widespread or dominant within a particular ecological niche or geographic territory.

- The oak tree is a prevalent in this part of the forest.
- Researchers identified the shrub as a prevalent within the coastal ecosystem, noting its role in preventing soil erosion.

Usage: Used as a countable noun in ecological and biological reporting.

## Examples

- The flu is very prevalent during the winter months.
- Researchers found that certain dietary habits are more prevalent in coastal regions than in inland cities.
- Despite the rapid digitisation of the economy, cash remains the most prevalent method of payment in several European nations, reflecting deep-seated cultural preferences for privacy and tangible assets.

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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.