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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | praevalere, from valere 'to be strong' |
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pre‧vail
[intransitive not in progressive] formal
[intransitive not in progressive] formal1 if a belief, custom, situation etc prevails, it exists among a group of people at a certain time
prevail in/among etc 
the economic conditions which prevail in England and WalesI admired the creativity which prevailed among the young writers.
the economic conditions which prevail in England and WalesI admired the creativity which prevailed among the young writers.2 if a person, idea, or principle prevails in a fight, argument etc, they are successful in the end : Justice will prevail.
Justice will prevail. common sense prevails/reason prevails (=a sensible decision is made) He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed.
He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed.