prevail - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
prevail Word Meanings
- to be victorious or to win
- to be dominant or widespread
- to persuade or influence someone
prevail Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
prevail Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/prɪˈveɪl/
US
/prɪˈveɪl/
prevail Word Etymology
pre- = before + vail = to be strong; Latin 'praevalere' meaning 'to be stronger'; Visualize a strong figure standing tall before obstacles, winning against them.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Feet planted, I push open a door and feel the air shift as the space responds to my touch. I keep my focus, adjust my stance, and turn small doubts into a quiet plan that moves my effort forward. The tension holds, and the moment changes as I push through the last hesitation with steadiness. When the room settles, I sense the result is mine, a personal sense of having prevailed in the moment.
Real Context
Prevail is a versatile verb that can describe winning in a contest or conflict, or dominance in a market or idea. It can also mean to persuade or influence someone to accept a point of view. Common collocations include prevail against, prevail over, and prevail upon someone to do something. In battle or competition, you might say a team finally prevailed after a tough season. In social or business contexts, a new policy may prevail if it gains broad support or becomes standard practice. The word emphasizes overcoming resistance and lasting impact more than simple luck.
Usage Reminders
- Prevail often implies overcoming resistance or difficulty, not just winning.
- Use with against/over to show defeating someone or something.
- Use prevail in to indicate dominance or widespread adoption in a field.
- Prevail upon someone to do something means to persuade them, usually with polite/formal tone.
- In casual speech, prefer win or overcome when you don’t need the stronger nuance of prevail.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing prevail with win only and ignoring its broader meanings
- Thinking prevail only refers to defeating a person, not a trend or idea
- Using prevail with 'on' instead of 'upon' when meaning persuade
- Assuming prevail is casual language; it often sounds formal or literary
- Mistaking prevalence (prevalent) for a verb form
Thinking Differences
Prevail is a formal, somewhat literary term in English. Learners often default to win, missing the nuance of lasting influence or broad dominance. Think of contexts where an idea, policy, or team endures, not just a single victory. Pay attention to collocations with against/over and in, and to the polite tone of prevail upon.
Learning Tips
- Learn the main senses (win, dominate, persuade).
- Memorize key collocations: prevail against, prevail over, prevail in, prevail upon.
- Compare with synonyms: win, overcome, dominate, persuade to see nuance.
- Practice short, formal sentences to use prevail naturally.
- Watch for formal contexts like policy debates or campaigns.
- Create your own sentences in different domains to test usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'prevail'?
A.To chat
B.To swim
C.To sleep
D.To succeed
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'prevail' correctly?
A.He always prevails in arguments.
B.She prevailed the book on the shelf.
C.They prevailed to the beach last summer.
D.I prevailed a delicious meal.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'prevail'?
A.Fail
B.Conquer
C.Lose
D.Retreat
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'prevail'?
A.Succeed
B.Dominate
C.Submit
D.Vanquish
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would someone 'prevail'?
A.Winning a competition
B.Losing a game
C.Sleeping in late
D.Skipping class
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