Brennus told the Roman embassadors, that prevalent
arms were as good as any title. --Sir W.
Raleigh.
2. Most generally received or current; most widely adopted or
practiced; also, generally or extensively existing;
widespread; prevailing; as, a prevalent observance;
prevalent disease.
This was the most received and prevalent opinion.
--Woodward.
Syn: Prevailing; predominant; successful; efficacious;
powerful.
Usage: {Prevalent}, {Prevailing}. What customarily prevails
is prevalent; as, a prevalent fashion. What actually
prevails is prevailing; as, the prevailing winds are
west. Hence, prevailing is the livelier and more
pointed word, since it represents a thing in action.
It is sometimes the stronger word, since a thing may
prevail sufficiently to be called prevalent, and yet
require greater strength to make it actually
prevailing.