C1verb3K

Prevail

UK /["/prɪˈveɪl/","/prɪˈveɪlz/","/prɪˈveɪld/","/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/"]/US /["/prɪˈveɪl/","/prɪˈveɪlz/","/prɪˈveɪld/","/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • triumph

Antonyms

  • fail
  • lose
  • succumb

Common mistakes

  • 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.