If a situation, attitude, or custom prevails in a particular place at a particular time, it is normal or most common in that place at that time. A similar situation prevails in America How people in a certain era bury their dead says much about the prevailing attitudes toward death
To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage; to have the upper hand, or the mastery; to succeed; sometimes with over or against
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance; "Money reigns supreme here"; "Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood"
If one side in a battle, contest, or dispute prevails, it wins. He appears to have the votes he needs to prevail I do hope he will prevail over the rebels
If you prevail upon someone to do something, you succeed in persuading them to do it. We must, each of us, prevail upon our congressman to act
If a proposal, principle, or opinion prevails, it gains influence or is accepted, often after a struggle or argument. We hope that common sense would prevail Political and personal ambitions are starting to prevail over economic interests. = triumph
use persuasion successfully; "He prevailed upon her to visit his parents" prove superior; "The champion prevailed, though it was a hard fight" continue to exist; "These stories die hard"; "The legend of Elvis endures" be valid, applicable, or true; "This theory still holds
To be in force; to have effect, power, or influence; to be predominant; to have currency or prevalence; to obtain; as, the practice prevails this day