'Prevalent' definitions:

Definition of 'prevalent'

From: WordNet
adjective
Most frequent or common; "prevailing winds" [syn: prevailing, prevalent, predominant, dominant, rife]

Definition of 'Prevalent'

From: GCIDE
  • Prevalent \Prev"a*lent\, a. [L. praevalens, -entis, p. pr. of praevalere. See Prevail.]
  • 1. Gaining advantage or superiority; having superior force, influence, or efficacy; prevailing; predominant; successful; victorious. [1913 Webster]
  • Brennus told the Roman embassadors, that prevalent arms were as good as any title. --Sir W. Raleigh. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Most generally received or current; most widely adopted or practiced; also, generally or extensively existing; widespread; prevailing; as, a prevalent observance; prevalent disease. [1913 Webster]
  • This was the most received and prevalent opinion. --Woodward. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Prevailing; predominant; successful; efficacious; powerful.
  • Usage: Prevalent, Prevailing. What customarily prevails is prevalent; as, a prevalent fashion. What actually prevails is prevailing; as, the prevailing winds are west. Hence, prevailing is the livelier and more pointed word, since it represents a thing in action. It is sometimes the stronger word, since a thing may prevail sufficiently to be called prevalent, and yet require greater strength to make it actually prevailing. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'prevalent'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Prevalent'