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
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 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