What is prevail? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of prevail

prevailverb

/prɪˈveɪl//prɪˈveɪl/

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

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • /prɪˈveɪl/

2. Syllable Breakdown & How to Say Each Part:

  • pre-: Pronounced like "preh" – as in "preheat." (The 'e' is very short).
  • -vail: This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "vayl." Think of it as saying "vale" (as in a valley) but with a softer 'l' sound.

3. Putting it Together:

Say it all together: "preh-vayl"

4. Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable: “pre-VAYL.”
  • The 'ai' sound: The "vail" part sounds like the "ay" in "say" or "day."
  • Don't over-emphasize the "v": It’s almost like a "v" sound blended with the "ay."

Resources for Auditory Learning:

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce prevail" on Google and click the speaker icon for an audio example.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/prevail/ This website has pronunciations from native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "prevail"?

Usage and examples with the word prevail in English

Let's break down how to use the word "prevail" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with a few different nuances, so understanding those differences is key.

1. Core Meaning: To Triumph or Be Successful

At its most basic, “prevail” means to overcome something, especially after a struggle. It implies victory after resistance.

  • Example: "Despite facing overwhelming odds, courage finally prevailed." (meaning courage won out)
  • Example: "The government’s efforts prevailed, and the new policy was implemented." (meaning the policy was successful)

2. More Formal/Literary Usage: To Hold True or Last

"Prevail" can also mean to be dominant, to be the prevailing or dominant force, or to remain in effect. This is a more formal and often literary usage.

  • Example: "The principle of fairness continues to prevail in our society." (meaning fairness remains dominant)
  • Example: "Despite the arguments, his opinion prevailed among the committee." (meaning his opinion won out and was the dominant view)
  • Example: "In the long run, reason will prevail over emotion." (meaning reason will be the dominant force)

3. Related to Weather (Specifically, Sun)

Historically, “prevail” has a meteorological meaning. It refers to the direction from which the wind is blowing.

  • Example: "A strong wind is prevailing from the north." (meaning the wind is coming from the North) – This usage is less common in everyday conversation.

Here's a breakdown of how to use it in sentences, with examples:

  • With 'over' (often for triumph): “Hope prevailed over despair.” “They prevailed over their fears.”
  • With 'against' (often for struggle): “Good sense prevailed against prejudice.”
  • As a verb describing a state of being (dominant): “Justice prevailed in the court.” “Honesty prevailed in their relationship.”

Synonyms (words with similar meanings):

  • Triumph
  • Succeed
  • Win
  • Overcome
  • Dominate
  • Hold
  • Remain

Tips for Using "Prevail" Effectively:

  • Consider the context: Is it a story of overcoming a challenge, or a description of a dominant force?
  • Don't overuse it: "Prevail" is a somewhat weighty word. It's often better to use a simpler word like "succeed" or "win" when possible.
  • It sounds more formal: It’s generally better suited to written English than casual conversation.

Resources for Further Study:

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  • Are you trying to use "prevail" in a specific context (e.g., a story, an essay, a conversation)?

Synonyms for the word prevail

Practice with vocabulary prevail

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite strong opposition, the new policy is expected to ____ in the upcoming board meeting.
  2. The company's innovative product line continues to ____ the market, setting new industry standards.
  3. In the long run, integrity and ethical conduct usually ____ in professional environments.
  4. After several delays, the construction project is finally set to ____ its final phase next quarter.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following describes a situation where a particular idea or trend becomes widely accepted or dominant? a) It diminishes. b) It prevails. c) It fades. d) It takes hold.
  2. In a complex negotiation, which word implies reaching a mutual understanding and agreement? a) concede b) compromise c) yield d) dictate
  3. After a challenging legal battle, the truth ultimately ____, clearing the defendant's name. a) surfaced b) surrendered c) yielded d) prevailed
  4. Which word best describes the act of firmly maintaining a position or belief despite opposition? a) waver b) abandon c) uphold d) succumb
  5. In which of these scenarios would "prevail" or a related form be an appropriate choice? a) The belief that hard work leads to success often ____ in competitive industries. b) The team leader managed to ____ upon his colleagues to adopt the new strategy. c) Despite the early setbacks, a spirit of resilience ____ among the employees. d) The company aimed to ____ its market share by introducing new products.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: In challenging times, the ability to bounce back often proves to be the most crucial trait. Rewrite using "prevail" or a related word form:
  2. Original: The manager was successful in convincing his team members to support the innovative project idea. Rewrite using "prevail" or a related word form:
  3. Original: The new software system will be put into operation next quarter. Rewrite without using "prevail" or any related word forms, using a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite strong opposition, the new policy is expected to prevail in the upcoming board meeting.
  2. The company's innovative product line continues to dominate the market, setting new industry standards.
  3. In the long run, integrity and ethical conduct usually prevail in professional environments.
  4. After several delays, the construction project is finally set to enter its final phase next quarter.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) prevails, d) takes hold
  2. b) compromise
  3. d) prevailed
  4. c) uphold
  5. a) The belief that hard work leads to success often prevails in competitive industries. b) The team leader managed to prevail upon his colleagues to adopt the new strategy. c) Despite the early setbacks, a spirit of resilience prevailed among the employees.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. In challenging times, resilience often prevails.
  2. The manager prevailed upon his team members to support the innovative project idea.
  3. The new software system will be implemented next quarter.

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