The word "prevailing" is spelled /prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/. The first syllable "pri" is pronounced with a short "i" sound /prɪ/ followed by a long "a" sound /veɪ/. The next syllable "ling" is pronounced with a short "i" sound /lɪ/ and a soft "ng" sound /ŋ/. The spelling of the word accurately reflects its pronunciation. "Prevailing" means to have the upper hand or to be dominant, and is commonly used in situations where a certain opinion or idea is widely accepted or believed.
"Prevailing" is an adjective that typically refers to something that is widespread, dominant, or most commonly accepted or occurring at a given time or in a specific context. It describes a situation, belief, or condition that is influential and has a significant impact on the majority or a large portion of a particular group or society.
In a general sense, "prevailing" suggests the notion of prevalence or predominance, indicating that a particular phenomenon, opinion, or practice is the most notable or influential in a certain area or period. It signifies the prevailing situation or prevailing circumstances, often based on statistical or observational evidence.
The term can be employed in various contexts, such as prevailing weather conditions, prevailing political ideologies, prevailing economic trends, or prevailing customs and traditions in a society. It emphasizes the idea that the described factor has significant importance, impact, or presence in a specific context and is therefore regarded as the most common or widely accepted.
Moreover, "prevailing" may also denote the outcome or success in a competition, struggle, or conflict, suggesting that a prevailing side or prevailing team has achieved victory or domination over others.
Overall, "prevailing" conveys the concept of dominance, significance, or common acceptance, indicating that the described situation or phenomenon holds a distinctive or influential position at a given time or in a specific context.
Gaining the advantage or superiority; predominant; most common or general.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "prevailing" originated from the Latin term "praevalēre", which is a combination of the prefix "prae-" meaning "before" or "in advance" and the verb "valēre" meaning "to be strong" or "to be powerful". The word entered the English language around the late 14th century, initially meaning "to have greater strength or influence" or "to triumph". Over time, its meaning evolved to also include "to be in general acceptance or use" or "to be widespread".