What is predominant? Pronunciation and usage in English

predominant means . Learn how to pronounce and use predominant through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of predominant

predominantadjective

/prɪˈdɒmɪnənt//prɪˈdɑːmɪnənt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "predominant." It can be tricky for some learners! Here’s a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • pre - like the letter "p"
  • do - like the word "doe" (the animal)
  • min - like the word "min" (short for minimum)
  • ant - like the word "ant"

2. Phonetic Breakdown (approximate):

Here's a rough guide to the sounds:

  • /prɪ/ – This is the initial sound, a quick, short "try" sound. Think of “price”.
  • /ˈdoʊ/ – The second syllable is a clear "doe" sound.
  • /mɪˈnɑːnt/ – The last two, “min-ant” are linked and pronounced as a single syllable. The “min” has a short “i” sound (like in “bit”) and the “ant” has a “ah” sound (like in “father”).

3. Putting it Together - A Full Pronunciation

It sounds something like: “pre-DOH-min-ant”

Tips to Help:

  • Stress: The primary stress (the emphasized syllable) is on the second syllable: “DOH”. This is the key to getting it right.
  • “Doh” sound: Really try to make that "doe" sound – it’s not just “dough”.
  • Linking: Remember to link “min” and “ant” into one syllable.

Resources for Hearing It:

  • Google Search: Simply search "how to pronounce predominant" on Google. You'll find audio examples and videos.
  • Forvo: (forvo.com) – This website has pronunciations of words by native speakers from various countries.
  • Youglish: (youglish.com) – This website shows you how the word is pronounced in actual YouTube videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to use it in?

Usage and examples with the word predominant in English

Let's break down how to use the word "predominant" effectively in English. It's a versatile word that describes a prevailing or most common feature.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Predominant means "most common," "dominant," or "prevailing." It describes something that is the most noticeable or influential aspect of a situation, group, or idea.

2. Parts of Speech & How It's Used:

  • Adjective: This is the most common usage. You’ll use it to describe a noun.

    • Example: "Blue is the predominant color in this painting." (Describing the painting)
    • Example: "The predominant opinion of the committee was to reject the proposal." (Describing the opinion)
    • Example: "A predominant factor in his success was his hard work." (Describing a factor)

  • Noun (less common): "Predominance" is the noun form, meaning the state or quality of being dominant or prevalent.

    • Example: "There was a clear predominance of blue in the sky at sunset." (Referring to the state of being blue)
    • Example: "Her predominance in the team was her leadership skills." (Referring to her dominant role)

3. Common Phrases & Expressions:

  • “The predominant…” – This is a very common construction.

    • Example: “The predominant climate in this region is tropical.”
    • Example: “The predominant style of architecture in the city is Art Deco.”

  • “A predominant feature…” – Useful when describing something specifically.

    • Example: “A predominant feature of the landscape is its rugged, mountainous terrain.”

  • “Predominantly…” – Often used with adjectives or adverbs.

    • Example: “The population is predominantly young.”
    • Example: “The company’s sales were predominantly driven by online orders.”

4. Synonyms:

Here are some words that can be used instead of "predominant," depending on the nuance you want to convey:

  • Dominant: Strongest synonym; emphasizes influence.
  • Chief: Most important; often used for a single thing.
  • Main: Most important or common.
  • Typical: Characteristic of a group or type.
  • Prevailing: Most common or widespread.
  • Overwhelming: Dominating to the point of being hard to ignore.

5. Examples in Sentences (Variety):

  • “Despite the mixed flavors, chocolate was the predominant taste.”
  • “The predominant mood in the room was one of excitement.”
  • “In this geological formation, sandstone is the predominant rock type.”
  • "The predominant language spoken in the city is Spanish.”
  • “The predominance of forest cover helped to stabilize the soil.”

Tips for Using “Predominant” Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Consider what you're describing to choose the best word.
  • Don’t Overuse: While a useful word, “predominant” can sometimes sound a bit formal. Vary your vocabulary.
  • Clarity: Make sure it's really the most common/influential thing you're describing. If there are other important aspects, acknowledge them.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking about using "predominant" in? (e.g., writing a story, an essay, a conversation, etc.)
  • Do you have a specific sentence or idea you're trying to phrase using this word?

Synonyms for the word predominant

Practice with vocabulary predominant

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. In recent economic analyses, the export sector has emerged as the _______________ force driving national growth.
  2. The new CEO's communication style is quite _______________, often drawing attention due to its directness and impact.
  3. While various factors contributed to the project's delay, a persistent lack of funding was the _______________ obstacle.
  4. After several hours of intense negotiations, a _______________ feeling of exhaustion settled over the entire team.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

For each question, select the best word(s) to complete the sentence or description. There may be more than one correct answer.

  1. Which term best describes the most influential and widely accepted theory in a given academic field? a) nascent b) obsolete c) predominant d) superficial

  2. If one demographic group holds the majority of power and influence within an organization, their presence is considered: a) negligible b) sporadic c) predominant d) isolated

  3. Which word would you use to describe a highly noticeable and easily observed feature of a landscape or an argument? a) hidden b) obscure c) prominent d) subtle

  4. A characteristic or trend that is widely spread or common throughout a population or region is best described as: a) unique b) rare c) prevalent d) widespread

  5. When a particular factor is the main or most significant cause of an outcome, it is often referred to as the _______________ factor. a) secondary b) minor c) predominant d) auxiliary

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences, incorporating the instructions given for each.

  1. The most important element in the success of the marketing campaign was its innovative digital outreach strategy. (Rewrite using "predominant" or a related word form.)

  2. During the economic downturn, there was a general and deeply felt sense of uncertainty among consumers. (Rewrite without using "predominant", but with a suitable replacement word.)

  3. Among all the reasons for the company's rapid expansion, its entry into emerging markets was clearly the main one. (Rewrite using "predominant" or a related word form.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. predominant
  2. prominent
  3. predominant
  4. pervasive

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) predominant
  2. c) predominant
  3. c) prominent
  4. c) prevalent, d) widespread
  5. c) predominant

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The predominant element in the success of the marketing campaign was its innovative digital outreach strategy.
  2. During the economic downturn, there was a palpable sense of uncertainty among consumers.
  3. The predominant reason for the company's rapid expansion was its entry into emerging markets.

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