What does predominant mean Meaning and Definition
What does predominant mean
Pronunciation
/prɪˈdɒmɪnənt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Most common, widespread, or prevailing; superior in number, influence, or authority.
Examples
- The predominant language spoken in the country is English.
- The predominant feature of the new policy is its focus on sustainability.
Synonyms
- Primary
- Main
- Principal
Antonyms
- Minor
- Secondary
- Insignificant
Additional Information
The term “predominant” is often used to describe the most common or widespread characteristic of something. For example, in a study, the predominant age group of participants might be 25-34 years old. In business, the predominant market trend might be towards sustainability. The word is commonly used in various fields, including science, social sciences, and economics.
In everyday language, people might use the term to describe the most popular or widely accepted view on a particular topic. For instance, the predominant opinion on social media might be in favor of a certain policy or against it.
Etymology
The word “predominant” comes from the Latin “praedominari,” meaning “to have dominion beforehand” or “to predominate.”
Usage Notes
The word “predominant” is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as academic writing, research papers, or business reports. In informal language, people might use more colloquial terms like “main” or “most common” instead.
Cultural References
The term “predominant” has been used in various cultural contexts, including literature, film, and music. For example, in George Orwell’s novel “1984,” the predominant ideology of the ruling Party is totalitarianism.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Predominant wind direction
- Predominant color scheme
Related Words or Phrases
- Predominance
- Predominantly
Collocations
- Predominant feature
- Predominant language
- Predominant trend
Frequency of Use
The word “predominant” is moderately common in formal writing and technical contexts, but less common in informal language.
Common Misspellings
- Predominent
- Predominate