preponderance

Preponderance is a noun that denotes the quality or state of being greater in number, quantity, importance, or weight. The term comes from the Latin praeponderare, meaning to outweigh, with prae- meaning before or in front of and ponderare meaning to weigh. The related adjective is preponderant and the verb form is preponderate. In ordinary use, the word conveys that something has greater weight or influence than its alternatives, though not necessarily by a large margin.

In law, preponderance occurs as a standard of proof known as a preponderance of the evidence. In civil cases in many jurisdictions, a party satisfies this standard if their version of the facts is more likely true than not. This generally corresponds to tipping the scales slightly in favor of one side, rather than proving something beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard can be satisfied through direct or circumstantial evidence, and it applies to the cumulative weigh-in of all presented facts rather than to a single piece of proof. The phrase does not imply unanimity or an absolute majority, but a greater weight of evidence supporting one side.

Outside of law, preponderance describes the relative weight of factors, phenomena, or influences. For example, one might refer to a preponderance of rainfall in a season or a preponderant share of market influence. While closely related to terms like predominance or majority, preponderance emphasizes comparative weight rather than sheer numerosity, highlighting what carries more significance or likelihood in a given context.