English Dictionary

Definition of “prevalent

prevalent (ˈprɛvələntPronunciation for prevalent

Definitions

adjective

  1. widespread or current
  2. superior in force or power; predominant

Alternative Forms

ˈprevalence ˈprevalentness noun ˈprevalently adverb

Word Origin

C16 (in the sense: powerful): from Latin praevalens  very strong, from praevalēre: see prevail

Usage examples

  • wife had phoned in to say her husband was in bed with the prevalent summer flu.
    Penn, John, Widow's End (1993)
  • The cause may be undiagnosed problems with sperm function, explained Fraser, but no-one knows how prevalent this problem is.
    New Scientist (2004)
  • An unlucky few But childhood cancer hasn't always been this prevalent.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • In a business where hot air is as prevalent as ego, Kylie seems to genuinely place value on honesty.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • With restricted eating protein, vitamin and mineral deficiency is prevalent.
    Holford, Patrick, The Family Nutrition Workbook (1988)

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