prevail
/pɹɪˈveɪl/
Group 34Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To prove more powerful than opposing forces; to be widespread or current GRE
Example in Context
After years of legal battles, the plaintiffs finally prevailed, securing a ruling that established new protections against discriminatory practices.
Etymology
To be strong or powerful, often in a competitive sense.
- prae- (Latin) — before
- valere (Latin) — to be strong
Memory Aid
🏆Sounds like “pre-vail”
If I PRE-VAILED in a cupcake-eating contest, it means I out-ate everyone and became the dessert champion!
Visual Association
🏅A victorious athlete standing on a podium, celebrating triumph over all competitors.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “prevail” mean on the GRE?
prevail (verb) means “To prove more powerful than opposing forces; to be widespread or current”. After years of legal battles, the plaintiffs finally prevailed, securing a ruling that established new protections against discriminatory practices.
How to remember “prevail” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “prevail” sounds like “pre-vail”. If I PRE-VAILED in a cupcake-eating contest, it means I out-ate everyone and became the dessert champion!