Prev"a*lent (?), a. [L. praevalens, -entis, p.
pr. of praevalere. See
Prevail.]
1.
Gaining advantage or superiority; having superior force, influence, or efficacy; prevailing; predominant; successful; victorious.
Brennus told the Roman embassadors, that prevalent arms were as good
as any title.
Sir W. Raleigh. 2. Most generally received or current; most widely adopted or practiced; also, generally or extensively existing; widespread; prevailing; as, a prevalent observance; prevalent disease.
This was the
most received and prevalent opinion.
Woodward. Syn. -- Prevailing; predominant; successful; efficacious; powerful.
-- Prevalent, Prevailing. What customarily prevails is prevalent; as, a prevalent fashion. What actually prevails is prevailing; as, the prevailing winds
are west. Hence, prevailing is the livelier and more pointed word, since it represents a thing in action. It is
sometimes the stronger word, since a
thing may prevail sufficiently to be called prevalent, and yet require greater strength to make it actually prevailing.
Hear it pronounced