Prevailed: Definition and Synonyms
prevailed – Definition and Part of Speech
“Prevailed” is the past tense of the verb “prevail,” which means to be victorious or successful in overcoming difficulties or opposition. It can also imply that a certain condition, situation, or trend becomes widespread or dominant over time.
Forms:
- Present: prevail
- Past: prevailed
- Past Participle: prevailed
- Gerund/Participle: prevailing
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overcame | Focuses on victory over obstacles or challenges. | “Despite the setbacks, she prevailed in her endeavors.” | Informal/Formal |
| Dominated | Emphasizes control or influence in a particular context. | “The trend of remote work has dominated the workplace for years.” | Business/Informal |
| Succeeded | Implies achieving success after effort. | “His arguments prevailed during the debate.” | Academic/Formal |
| Triumphed | Highlights a clear, often dramatic victory. | “The athlete prevailed over her competitors in an intense match.” | Sports/Casual |
| Outlasted | Suggests enduring longer or being more resilient. | “His patience eventually prevailed in the negotiation.” | Literary/Formal |
Usage Notes
- Overcame: Best used when referring to personal victories, such as overcoming fears or obstacles.
- Dominated: Suitable for contexts where one element is overwhelmingly influential or prevalent over others (e.g., market trends).
- Succeeded: Often employed in professional settings or situations involving competition and achievement of goals.
- Triumphed: Used to convey a sense of victory that is noteworthy, often in competitive scenarios like sports or artistic performances.
- Outlasted: Ideal for describing endurance or the ability to withstand prolonged challenges.
Common Pitfalls
- Prevailed vs. Succeeded: While both imply success, “prevailed” often carries connotations of overcoming opposition or difficulty, whereas “succeeded” simply means achieving a goal.
- Prevailed vs. Dominated: “Prevailed” can involve winning an argument or trend becoming accepted over time, while “dominated” implies control and influence rather than a victory.
Final Recap
In summary, the verb “prevailed” is synonymous with terms like overcame, dominated, succeeded, triumphed, and outlasted. Each carries subtle differences in nuance, which make them suitable for various contexts ranging from informal to academic settings. Understanding these nuances can help you select the most appropriate synonym depending on whether you’re focusing on victory, influence, success, endurance, or a combination of these elements.
Practice Tips
To enhance your vocabulary and understanding:
- Write sentences using each synonym in context.
- Try substituting “prevailed” with its synonyms in different scenarios to see which fits best.
- Engage in conversation by using these words naturally to describe situations you’ve encountered.
By practicing and experimenting with these synonyms, you can become more adept at choosing the right word for any situation.