prevalent
UK: ˈprevələnt | US: ˈprevələnt
adj. widespread or dominant in a particular area or at a particular time
adj. having superior power or influence
prevalent = pre<before> + val<strong> + ent<adjective suffix>
- pre<before>: From Latin prae, meaning "before" or "ahead."
- val<strong>: From Latin valere, meaning "to be strong" or "to have power."
- ent<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "prevalent" traces back to Latin praevalere ("to be stronger or more powerful"), combining prae- (before) and valere (to be strong). It entered Middle English via Old French prevalent, retaining the sense of dominance or widespread influence. The morphemes reflect the idea of "strength that comes before" or "prevailing power," aligning with its modern meanings of widespread occurrence or superiority.
The belief in climate change is prevalent among scientists.
Smartphones have become prevalent in modern society.
A prevalent misconception is that all bats are blind.
The disease was most prevalent in densely populated areas.
His theory gained prevalent acceptance after further research.