Prevail

Definition

Prevail generally means "to prove more powerful than opposing forces; to be victorious."

Parts of Speech

• Verb: prevail

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈveɪl/
• Respelling: prih-VAYL (with "prih" as in "prism," and "VAYL" as in "bail")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈveɪl/
• Respelling: prih-VAYL (similar to American English, with "prih" as in "prism," and "VAYL" as in "bail")

In both dialects, "prevail" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "VAYL." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "VAYL" part.

Etymology

"Prevail" is derived from the Middle English term "prevaillen", which comes from the Latin "praevalere", where "prae-" means "before" and "valere" means "to be strong."

Derivatives

• Prevailing
• Prevailingly
• Prevailment
• Prevailer
• Unprevailing

Synonyms

• Triumph
• Overcome
• Win

Antonyms

• Fail
• Yield
• Succumb

Usage

"Prevail" is typically used to convey the idea of winning, overcoming adversity, or becoming widespread or predominant.

Related Terms

• Victory
• Conquest
• Dominance
• Predominance
• Mastery

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To prove more powerful or superior in a contest, conflict, or debate.
• Example: "Justice must prevail over injustice."

• To be widespread or current in a particular area or at a particular time.
• Example: "Such traditions still prevail in some parts of the country."

• To persuade or induce.
• Example: "She tried to prevail upon him to see a doctor."