adj
prevailing
prih-VAY-lihng
adj
1
Most common, widespread, or dominant at a particular time.
"The prevailing view among economists is that rates will rise next year."
"Sailors need to know the prevailing winds before setting a course."
How to Use Prevailing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes whatever opinion, condition, or trend is currently dominant.
Common pairings
prevailing wind
prevailing attitude
prevailing conditions
Word Forms
more prevailing comparative, most prevailing superlative
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The _____ view among economists is that rates will rise next year.
Etymology
From prevail + -ing.