prevalence
UK: ˈprevələns | US: ˈprevələns
n. the state of being widespread or common
n. (epidemiology) the proportion of a population affected by a condition at a specific time
prevalence = preval<prevail> + ence<noun suffix>
- preval (from Latin praevalēre, "to be stronger," combining prae- "before" + valēre "to be strong")
- ence (noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality, from Latin -entia)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin praevalentia, meaning "superior strength or influence." Over time, it evolved in Middle French as prévalence, retaining the sense of dominance or widespread occurrence. In English (16th century), it narrowed to describe the frequency or commonness of phenomena, especially in medical/statistical contexts. The morphemes pre- (before) + -val- (strength) + -ence (state) logically combine to convey "the state of prevailing."
The prevalence of smartphones has transformed communication.
Researchers measured the prevalence of diabetes in urban areas.
Despite efforts, the prevalence of plastic waste remains high.
Cultural prevalence of this tradition varies by region.
Vaccination reduced the prevalence of the disease significantly.