prevail

pronunciation

How to pronounce prevail in British English: UK [prɪˈveɪl] word uk audio image

How to pronounce prevail in American English: US [prɪˈveɪl] word us audio image

Verb:

be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
be valid, applicable, or true
continue to exist
prove superior
use persuasion successfully

Word Origin

prevail (v.): c. 1400, "be successful; be efficacious," from Old French prevaleir (Modern French prévaloir) and directly from Latin praevalere "be stronger, have greater power," from prae "before" (see pre-) + valere "have power, be strong" (see valiant). Spelling in English perhaps influenced by avail. Related: Prevailed; prevailing.

Synonym

v.

pressure into incline press induce rouse convince prompt stimulate urge influence inspire dispose apply talk move sway exhort persuade convert motivate

v.

well endure persist remain durable abide be to last continue stay exist wear

v.

master triumph be gain the one's victorious carry a conquer day best victory win spurs palm victor outmanoeuvre out overcome defeat over

v.

govern lead have hold successful be command through rule preponderate force win predominate dominate succeed reign sway mastery authority

Example

1. Good listening skills and patience must prevail .

2. Japan could conceivably prevail against the market even without allies .

3. The pursuit of maximum profit seems destined to prevail .

4. Which method will ultimately prevail remains to be seen .

5. Over that period , more rational pricing began to prevail .

more: >How to Use "prevail" with Example Sentences