Meaning

• To be superior in strength, dominance, influence or frequency; to have or gain the advantage over others; to have the upper hand; to outnumber others.

  "Red colour prevails in the Canadian flag."

• To be current, widespread or predominant; to have currency or prevalence.

  "In his day and age, such practices prevailed all over Europe."

• To succeed in persuading or inducing.

  "I prevailed on him to wait."

• To avail.

Meaning

• Predominant; of greatest force.

  "The prevailing opinion was for additional planning time."

• Prevalent, common, widespread.