prevail
Definitions
To win or gain the advantage in a struggle or competition
获胜，占上风
To be widespread or most common at a particular time
盛行，普遍存在
(prevail upon/on) to persuade someone to do something
（prevail upon/on）说服某人
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpre- (ahead, before) + valēre (be strong) = 'to be stronger than the rest, to come out ahead.' From 'being strongest' grows both 'to win' (good will prevail) and 'to be dominant/widespread' (the prevailing view — the one that has won the room).
Root val still carries 48 more wordsWhy It Means This
The leap from 'win' to 'be widespread' makes sense once you see the bridge: whatever prevails is whatever has won out. The prevailing wind is the wind that 'wins' most days; the prevailing opinion is the view that has won the most minds. A third, older sense survives in prevail upon someone — to let your persuasive strength win them over.
Common Collocations
- 1.prevail over战胜，凌驾于……
- 2.common sense prevails常识占上风
- 3.justice prevails正义得到伸张
- 4.prevail upon someone说服某人
Example Sentences
- 1.
Despite the setbacks, the team prevailed in the end.
- 2.
A spirit of optimism prevailed throughout the conference.
- 3.
She finally prevailed upon him to see a doctor.
Synonym Comparison
- prevail — to win out, often after struggle, or to be dominant
- triumph — to win decisively, with a sense of glory
- win — the plain, general word
- dominate — to control or be the most powerful, ongoing
- predominate — to be the larger or more common element