prevailing sentiment

USAGE SUMMARY

"prevailing sentiment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a prevailing feeling or attitude expressed by a particular group of people. For example, "The prevailing sentiment among the public is that the current president is not doing a good job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The article on Governor Rowland's situation is indeed reflective of prevailing sentiment in the state.

The New York Times

But anger, not sadness, remains the prevailing sentiment across Taiwan as President Ma Yingrapplesrapples with his worst political crisis since taking office last year.

The New York Times

I bet on a major sustained rally, contrary to prevailing sentiment that the market remained overvalued.

Forbes

The Herald's reviewer was at odds with prevailing sentiment.

Wikipedia

It's hard to put stuff in words right now". The prevailing sentiment in the dressing room and in the hallways at the Saddledome was disappointment.

Los Angeles Times

"But I still think that the basic prevailing sentiment of Wharton is to teach kids to make money, and they do a damn good job of it.

Huffington Post

That, at least, is the prevailing sentiment.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Steve and Paula Baumgardner, from Jacksonville, Fla., who visited New York City last week as tourists, echo the prevailing sentiments.

The New York Times - Tech

Disbelief and awe were the prevailing sentiments at the end of my visit.

HuffPost

PARIS -- Disbelief and awe were the prevailing sentiments at the end of my visit to The Museum of Everything.

HuffPost

The vice president of the police union said the action against Curreri shows that Parks has lost touch with prevailing sentiments in the LAPD.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevailing sentiment", ensure you can clearly identify the group or population holding that sentiment. For example, specify "the prevailing sentiment among voters" rather than simply "the prevailing sentiment".

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "prevailing sentiment" is universally shared. Recognize that dissenting opinions may exist even if they are not dominant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing sentiment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a widely held feeling or opinion within a specific group or population. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, this phrase is used to indicate a common viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevailing sentiment" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a widespread feeling or opinion, as validated by Ludwig. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. When using "prevailing sentiment", it is important to specify the group or population holding that sentiment and to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include phrases such as "general feeling" or "common opinion", depending on the desired nuance. Ultimately, its consistent and authoritative usage underscores its relevance in conveying a shared perspective, as supported by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general feeling

Focuses on the emotional aspect more than the intellectual opinion.

common opinion

Emphasizes the intellectual agreement among people.

popular view

Highlights the widespread acceptance of a particular idea.

dominant attitude

Stresses a mindset that is the most influential or widespread.

widespread belief

Indicates a conviction that is commonly held.

current thinking

Focuses on present-day dominant thought processes.

accepted wisdom

Emphasizes the traditional or long-standing nature of the sentiment.

collective mindset

Highlights a unified way of thinking among a group.

public mood

Focuses on emotional tone of the public.

overall consensus

Stresses the agreement after discussion or deliberation.

FAQs

How can I use "prevailing sentiment" in a sentence?

You can use "prevailing sentiment" to describe a widely held feeling or opinion, as in "The "prevailing sentiment" among economists is that a recession is imminent".

What is another way to express "prevailing sentiment"?

Alternatives include "general feeling", "common opinion", or "popular view", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "prevailing sentiment" or "prevailing opinion"?

Both phrases are valid, but "prevailing sentiment" often implies a feeling or emotion, while "prevailing opinion" suggests a more reasoned viewpoint. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "prevailing sentiment" and "public mood"?

"Prevailing sentiment" refers to a dominant feeling or opinion, while "public mood" describes the general emotional state of the population. They are related but not interchangeable.