English Dictionary

Definition of “predominate

predominate (prɪˈdɒmɪˌneɪtPronunciation for predominate

Definitions

verb

  1. (intr) over to have power, influence, or control
  2. (intr) to prevail or preponderate
  3. (tr) rare to dominate or have control over

adjective

  1. another word for predominant

Alternative Forms

preˈdominately adverb preˌdomiˈnation noun preˈdomiˌnator noun

Word Origin

C16: from Medieval Latin praedominārī,  from Latin prae  before + dominārī to bear rule, domineer

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= be in the majority dominate, prevail, stand out, be predominant be most noticeable preponderate,
= prevail, rule, reign, hold sway, get the upper hand carry weight

Usage examples

  • The inevitable clanking began to predominate as beer mugs and wineglasses were put down on tables.
    Dare Call It Treason
  • Greater care has to be taken when generalising our findings to secondary care, where children with severe disease predominate.
    British Medical Journal (2002)
  • I've noticed that on quiz programmes in general, men predominate.
    Independent (1999)
  • Only in deeply buried rocks will plastic deformation predominate.
    Richard Fortey, THE EARTH: An Intimate History (2004)

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