definition 1: to emerge as dominant (often followed by “over”).
example: Fortunately, common sense seems to have prevailed over irrationality.
example: Optimism prevailed throughout the decade of the fifties.
definition 2: to prove oneself superior to; triumph (usually followed by “over” or “against”).
example: Their faith in the future helped them prevail over hardship.
definition 2: to exist, or continue to exist, widely or generally.
example: The bombing had ended and silence now prevailed in the city.
example: The assumption still prevails that men are less able than women to nurture children.
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Collocations: Words often used in combination with the intransitive verb prevail
NOUN + prevail: calm ~ , common sense ~ , justice ~ , optimism ~ , sense ~ , sanity ~ , anarchy ~ , extremism ~ , harmony ~ , darkness ~ , tranquility ~
NOUN + prevail: atmosphere ~ (e.g., An atmosphere of distrust prevails), condition ~ , custom ~ , trend ~ , fashion ~, attitude ~ , assumption ~ , mentality ~ , superstition ~ , myth ~ , stereotype ~ , prejudice ~ , notion ~ , sentiment ~ , silence ~ , excitement ~