C1verb 3K

Prevail

🇬🇧 UK /["/prɪˈveɪl/","/prɪˈveɪlz/","/prɪˈveɪld/","/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/prɪˈveɪl/","/prɪˈveɪlz/","/prɪˈveɪld/","/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Prevail

to exist or be very common at a particular time or in a particular place

In simple words: to win or succeed, especially after a struggle

Prevail in a sentence

• We were horrified at the conditions prevailing in local prisons.
• Those beliefs still prevail among certain social groups.
• Justice will prevail over tyranny.
• Fortunately, common sense prevailed.
• Her happy outlook always prevailed.
• His view eventually prevailed over theirs.
• The wishes of 20 million people ought to prevail against those of 200 thousand.
• The Act requires the will of the Commons ultimately to prevail over that of the upper house.
• In a one-sided final, Spain prevailed against title-holder Croatia 40–34.
• They wasted two penalties but still prevailed 2–1.

How to use Prevail

Use 'prevail' in contexts suggesting overcoming difficulties or winning in competition. It is more common in formal writing or speeches than in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

prevail + over/against + object

Memory hint

Think of 'prevail' like 'prevailing winds' that always win at blowing in a certain direction.

Related words

Collocations with Prevail

• always
• usually
• eventually
• be likely to
• must
• should
• against
• over
• always
• usually
• eventually
• be likely to
• must
• should
• against
• over

Synonyms for Prevail

• triumph

Opposites of Prevail

• fail
• lose
• succumb

Common mistakes with Prevail

• Confused with 'prevalent', which means common or widespread.
• Using 'prevail' without an object when a comparison is implied (e.g., 'prevail over').
• Mistakenly using 'prevail' in passive voice; it should be active.

Frequently asked questions about Prevail

What does Prevail mean?

to win or succeed, especially after a struggle

What is the definition of Prevail?

to exist or be very common at a particular time or in a particular place

How do you use Prevail in a sentence?

We were horrified at the conditions prevailing in local prisons.

Can you give another example of Prevail?

Those beliefs still prevail among certain social groups.

What are synonyms for Prevail?

Common alternatives include triumph.

What is the opposite of Prevail?

Opposite meanings include fail, lose, succumb.

What words go with Prevail?

It commonly pairs with always, usually, eventually, be likely to, must, should, against, over, always, usually, eventually, be likely to, must, should, against, over.

What are common mistakes when using Prevail?

Confused with 'prevalent', which means common or widespread. Using 'prevail' without an object when a comparison is implied (e.g., 'prevail over'). Mistakenly using 'prevail' in passive voice; it should be active.

How do you pronounce Prevail?

US: /["/prɪˈveɪl/","/prɪˈveɪlz/","/prɪˈveɪld/","/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/prɪˈveɪl/","/prɪˈveɪlz/","/prɪˈveɪld/","/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Prevail?

Use 'prevail' in contexts suggesting overcoming difficulties or winning in competition. It is more common in formal writing or speeches than in everyday conversation.

What CEFR level is Prevail?

"Prevail" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.