What Does Prevail Mean?

Introduction

Having a grasp on the meaning of words is an important part of communication, especially when it comes to understanding legal documents, literature and other written work. Knowing what a word means can help to make understanding these materials faster and easier. One of these words is “prevail”, which has a few different meanings. To understand what prevail means and how to use it correctly, read on for a brief introduction.

The Definition of “Prevail”

Generally speaking, the word “prevail” means to be active, successful, or prevailing. It is most often used in a figurative sense. When one thing is said to prevail over another, this means that it has been more successful or overpowers the other, having won out in the end. Prevail can also refer to a long-standing custom or practice that continues over time, such as the ability of a particular language to remain the dominant language over many centuries.

Examples of “Prevail”

There are various contexts in which prevail is used. In a formal context, it may be used to describe a situation in which one person or thing has defeated another. For example, it might be said that a certain law or decision was reached, and it prevailed over the opposing arguments.

In a more conversational context, “prevail” might be used to describe the general situation of a person’s life: “My health is prevailing right now.”

In literature and other creative works, “prevail” is often used to indicate a sense of struggle or fortitude. An author may write, “She persevered against all odds, and in the end her courage prevailed.”

Conclusion

As you can see, “prevail” is a word with a lot of versatility. Knowing what it means and how it is used can enable you to better interpret written works, legal documents and more. By understanding the context in which it is used, you can use it in appropriately to make sure that your conversations or written works are interpreted the way you intend them to be.