Literary notes about Prevalent (AI summary)
In literature, "prevalent" is used to denote what is widespread or generally accepted in a particular period or context. Authors employ it both to describe tangible characteristics—such as the prevalent architectural style in western Europe ([1]) or the dominant natural growth in a valley ([2])—and to pinpoint abstract phenomena like prevailing social opinions and attitudes ([3], [4]). The term also appears in discussions of language evolution and usage, indicating what is commonly adopted over time ([5], [6]). In each instance, "prevalent" serves as a concise way to highlight the dominant element or custom, whether in cultural, social, or natural settings.
- Gothic , a pointed style of architecture, prevalent in western Europe in the latter part of the middle ages.
— from Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson by Ralph Waldo Emerson - the mountains continue high on either side of the valley, and are but skantily supplyed with timber; small pine appears to be the prevalent growth.
— from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis - What this hostility between the various clubs meant only those can judge who are familiar with the tone prevalent among them in those days.
— from My Life — Volume 1 by Richard Wagner - During the first act the prevalent opinion seemed to be that I belonged to the category of bores.
— from My Life — Volume 1 by Richard Wagner - In Plautus this use is rare; but it becomes more and more prevalent, and in the time of Cicero the relative is one of the commonest connectives.
— from A Latin Grammar for Schools and Colleges by George Martin Lane - But -us was used in the earliest times, -um somewhat later, and both became prevalent between 218 and 55 B.C. ( 107, c ).
— from A Latin Grammar for Schools and Colleges by George Martin Lane
