Cool MatePrevalence
UK /["/ˈprevələns/"]/US /["/ˈprevələns/"]/
Definition
the fact of existing or being very common at a particular time or in a particular place
In simple words: How common something is.
Examples
- an increase in the prevalence of obesity in many countries
Usage notes
Use 'prevalence' in formal contexts like academic writing or reports. Avoid in casual conversation. It implies a statistical or measured occurrence.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'pre' meaning before and 'valence' like balance; it shows how 'common' something was before!
Collocations
- high prevalence
- low prevalence
- prevalence rate
- increased prevalence
- prevalence of disease
Synonyms
- incidence
- frequency
- occurrence
- ubiquity
- dominance
Antonyms
- rarity
- uncommonness
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'prevalent' which is an adjective.
- Omitting the context when discussing the prevalence (e.g., 'the prevalence of diseases').
- Using it in informal speech where simpler terms like 'common' might be better.