Prevalence Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈprɛvələns/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The state of being widespread or common; a phenomenon or quality that is abundant or prevalent in a given context.

Examples

• The prevalence of diabetes in the country has been rising in recent years.
• The company’s new policy aims to reduce the prevalence of plastic waste in its production process.

Synonyms

• Frequency
• Widespreadness

Antonyms

• Rarity
• Singularity

Etymology

The word “prevalence” comes from the Latin “prevaleo,” meaning “to be in command” and “valere,” meaning “to be strong.” It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the state of being widespread or common.

Additional Information

Prevalence is often used in various fields, including medicine, social sciences, and environmental studies, to describe the distribution or spread of a disease, phenomenon, or quality. It is an important concept in understanding the impact of a particular issue on a population or society.

Prevalence can be measured using various methods, including surveys, studies, and data analysis. It is often used to identify trends, track changes over time, and inform policy decisions.

Prevalence can also be used idiomatically, as in “the prevalence of bullying in schools” or “the prevalence of social media use among young people.”

Usage Notes

Prevalence is often used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb, meaning “to be prevalent” or “to predominate.”

When using prevalence, it is important to specify the context or population being referred to, as it may be applicable in different ways to different groups.

Cultural References

Prevalence has been referenced in popular culture, including in songs, films, and literature. For example, the concept of prevalence is discussed in the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• The prevalence of [something] is [adjective]

Related Words or Phrases

• Circumstance
• Magnitude

Collocations

• Prevalence of a disease
• Prevalence of a behavior

Frequency of Use

Prevalence is commonly used in academic and professional settings, particularly in fields such as medicine, education, and social sciences. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation, but can be used idiomatically to describe a widespread phenomenon or quality.

Common Misspellings

• Prevelent
• Prevelence