predominates

Predominates is a verb meaning to be the most common, powerful, or influential element within a group or situation. It is the third-person singular present tense form of predominate; the base form is predominate, with past tense predominated and present participle predominating. The term derives from Latin praedominari, from prae- “before” and dominare “to dominate.”

Usage and grammar

Predominates is typically used to express dominance in prevalence or influence. It is often followed by the prepositions over or in: for example, “Economic factors predominate over social factors,” or “In this region, barley predominates in the crops.” In some cases, it can describe a factor that overwhelmingly shapes outcomes: “A single trait predominates in the population.”

Contexts

In science and statistics, predominance describes what is most common or influential within data or populations, such as alleles that predominate in a gene pool. In sociology or politics, it can refer to ideas, practices, or parties that predominate within a culture or jurisdiction. In art or design, a color or motif may predominate in the composition.

Related terms and distinctions

Predominate is closely related to prevail and dominate. It is sometimes contrasted with preponderate, which emphasizes greater weight or degree, though in many cases the meanings overlap. Predominance (the noun form) denotes the state or condition of predominating.

See also: dominate, prevail, predominance, preponderate.