prevalent meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"prevalent meaning" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the most common or widely accepted interpretation of a term or concept. For example, "The prevalent meaning of the word has evolved over time." Alternative expressions include "common meaning" and "dominant interpretation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The gig economy is a trend that's likely to only become more prevalent, meaning HR leaders need to consider how it could impact their staffing models.

Forbes

Like the first version of the introduction allowance in 1999, the principle of conditionality remained prevalent, meaning that the benefit was reduced correspondingly in the event of absence from the introduction programme (that could not be excused by illness or other compelling reasons).

Comparative Migration Studies

The primary aim of this work is to criticise the current prevalent meaning of the concept of Mappæ Clavicula, and to show that its tradition does not include that of Compositiones: these two traditions, despite sharing two sets of manuscripts, result in two appreciably different texts.

Heritage Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When we use the terms interchangeably, confusion is prevalent and meaning is lost.

Harvard Business Review

Here I will just say that the prevalent speak/communicate meaning of similar sounding words in these ancient languages persuades me that zawchar is a very ancient concept.

HuffPost

Unlike GII.4, GII.2 is not a prevalent genotype, meaning that a possible chance association could be ruled out.

BMC Infectious Diseases

In one prevalent view, the very meaning of salvation is emancipation (moksha) from this morass, an escape from the impermanence that is an inherent feature of mundane existence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In her filmmaking career, which began auspiciously with "Chocolat" in 1988, the weight of things -- subtle sensations that carry meaning -- is prevalent.

The New York Times

However, as the field of Bowen's history article focuses heavily on the spatial location of the fishing industry, spatial meanings are significantly more prevalent than temporal ones, and in particular, many of these spatial meanings (14/26 or 53.8%) are concrete.

Functional Linguistics

Women in this analysis were free from diagnosed breast cancer at entry, meaning that, at the prevalent screen, probabilities were conditional on being healthy or in a preclinical disease state.

Breast Cancer Research

Asthma, a more prevalent condition, is referred to as 'lelah' meaning breathlessness, which is also a common presenting complaint in COPD.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevalent meaning", ensure that the context clearly supports the idea that you are referring to the most common or widely accepted interpretation. Avoid using it when referring to niche or highly specific meanings.

Common error

Avoid using "prevalent meaning" when discussing a topic within a specialized field, as the prevalent understanding outside that field may differ significantly from the technical or expert meaning. Always specify the context if there's a chance of ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevalent meaning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "prevalent" acts as a modifier describing the type of "meaning". It typically serves to specify a particular interpretation or understanding of a concept that is widely accepted. Ludwig AI confirms the correct use and general acceptance of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevalent meaning" is a grammatically sound and conceptually useful phrase for specifying the most common or widely accepted interpretation of a term. While Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness, its frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase serves to clarify understanding and establish a shared foundation in discussions where multiple interpretations might exist. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context supports the idea of a widely held understanding, and avoid it in specialized fields where the understanding could significantly differ. Always check that your audience is likely to be familiar with the term and its prevailing usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common meaning

Replaces "prevalent" with "common", indicating a widespread or generally accepted understanding.

prevailing sense

Substitutes "meaning" with "sense", focusing on the overall impression or understanding.

dominant interpretation

Emphasizes the most influential or widespread interpretation of something.

accepted definition

Focuses on a definition that is widely agreed upon or officially recognized.

general understanding

Highlights the overall comprehension or grasp of a concept.

usual connotation

Highlights the typical associations or implications of a word or phrase.

standard interpretation

Similar to "dominant interpretation", but emphasizes adherence to a norm or convention.

conventional significance

Focuses on the traditional or established importance of something.

popular understanding

Indicates a meaning that is widely held among the general public.

established meaning

Emphasizes that the meaning has been recognized or determined for a while.

FAQs

How can I use "prevalent meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "prevalent meaning" to refer to the most common or widely accepted interpretation of a term or concept. For example, "The prevalent meaning of the word 'technology' has evolved significantly over the past decade."

What are some alternatives to "prevalent meaning"?

Some alternatives include "common meaning", "dominant interpretation", or "general understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "prevalent meaning" in formal writing?

Yes, "prevalent meaning" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when clarifying a term that may have multiple interpretations. However, ensure that your audience is likely to be familiar with the term and its prevalent usage.

What's the difference between "prevalent meaning" and "literal meaning"?

"Prevalent meaning" refers to the most common understanding of a term, which may include figurative or extended senses. "Literal meaning", on the other hand, refers to the strict, dictionary definition of the term, without considering any implied or contextual meanings. You can use the literal one when prevalent is too generic.