prevailing

/pri'veiliɳ/

Thân thiện

The prevailing winds blow steadily from the west across the open sea.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Most common, frequent, or widespread: Refers to something that is currently dominant, generally accepted, or most widely encountered in a particular place or time.
   • Predominant: Describes a condition, opinion, or force that is most powerful or influential.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective:
  • The prevailing opinion among scientists is that climate change is real. (The most common or dominant opinion.)
  • We took the boat out, despite the prevailing winds being against us. (The winds that are most frequent or dominant in that area.)
  • The company's policy reflects the prevailing standards in the industry. (The standards that are currently most widespread or accepted.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Prevailing" vs. "Prevalent": While often used interchangeably, "prevailing" can imply a sense of dominance or active influence, whereas "prevalent" often simply means widespread or common.
  • A prevalent belief (a belief many people hold).
  • The prevailing belief (the belief that currently holds the most sway or influence).
• Used to describe conditions that are characteristic of a specific location or era.
  • The prevailing economic conditions made investment difficult. (The dominant economic conditions of that time.)

Variants and Related Words

• Prevail (verb): To prove more powerful or superior; to be widespread or current.
  • Justice will prevail. (Justice will prove superior.)
  • A calm prevailed over the crowd. (A calm became widespread.)
• Prevalence (noun): The fact or condition of being widespread.
  • The prevalence of the disease is concerning. (The widespread occurrence of the disease.)

Synonyms

• Dominant: Most important, powerful, or influential.
• Predominant: Present as the strongest or main element.
• Prevalent: Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.
• Common: Occurring, found, or done often; prevalent.

Antonyms

• Uncommon: Not occurring often; rare.
• Subordinate: Lower in rank or position.
• Unusual: Not habitually or commonly occurring or done.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Prevailing wisdom: The opinion or belief that is currently held by most experts or people in a field.
  • The prevailing wisdom suggests a cautious approach.
• Prevailing circumstances: The conditions or facts that are dominant and affect a situation at a given time.
  • We must adapt our plans to the prevailing circumstances.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. most frequent or common
   • prevailing winds

Từ đồng nghĩa

• prevalent
• predominant
• dominant
• rife