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- pronunciation:
- prih
veIl
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
inflections: |
prevails, prevailing, prevailed |
definition 1: |
to emerge as dominant (often fol. by "over").
Fortunately, common sense seems to have prevailed over irrationality.Optimism prevailed throughout the decade of the fifties.- synonyms:
- overcome, predominate, triumph
- similar words:
- conquer, dominate, endure, excel, lead, persist, preponderate, reign, rule, succeed, win, withstand
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definition 2: |
to prove oneself superior to; triumph (usu. fol. by "over" or "against").
Their faith in the future helped them prevail over hardship.- synonyms:
- triumph
- similar words:
- endure, persevere, succeed, win
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definition 3: |
to exist, or continue to exist, widely or generally.
The bombing had ended and silence now prevailed in the city.The assumption still prevails that men are less able than women to nurture children.- synonyms:
- abound, obtain, rule
- similar words:
- abide, exist, last, occur, permeate, persist, predominate, reign, take
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definition 4: |
to successfully encourage (usu. fol. by "on" or "upon").
Prevail on him to come to the party, will you?- synonyms:
- coax, exhort
- similar words:
- cajole, inspire, press, sway, sweet-talk, urge
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definition 5: |
to be currently in effect.
We should never take for granted the civil rights laws that prevail today.- synonyms:
- abide, endure, exist, hold, obtain, stand
- similar words:
- abound, last, persist, predominate, reign, remain, rule
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related words: |
command, dominate, govern, live, outlast, score, stand, take, withstand |
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