What does predominate mean?
“Predominate” means to be the most numerous, common, or influential part of a group, situation, or discussion. It is commonly used when one category accounts for most of a population, when one voice or influence dominates an exchange, or when one consideration is more important than the others. The related adjective “predominant” describes the thing that has this status, and the adverb “predominantly” often explains the general character of a place, period, or group. Although the word can sound formal, it is useful because it conveys not merely the presence of something but its relative dominance. For example, a landscape in which forest predominates is primarily forested, while a committee in which one faction predominates is largely controlled or influenced by that faction.
verbTo be more numerous, common, or influential than other things in a group or situation. It can also mean to outweigh other considerations.
- To be the most numerous, common, or influential element in a group or situation.
- To have greater importance or influence than other considerations.
"Small independent businesses predominate in the town, despite the presence of several national chains."
"A single voice predominated in the discussion of the new policy."
"Safety concerns predominated over the desire to complete the project early."
"The region is populated predominantly by farmers and small towns."
If one voice fills the room, it predominates; the word literally means to rule before all others.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does predominate come from?
The word comes from Latin praedominari, formed from prae-, meaning “before” or “in advance,” and dominari, meaning “to rule or dominate.” It entered English in the early 17th century in the sense of prevailing or being dominant. Its relatives include “dominant,” “dominate,” and “dominion,” all of which share the Latin root dominus, meaning “master” or “lord.”
Related word forms
How predominate is actually used
The word is formal and somewhat literary in careful writing, though it is widely understood. It commonly describes numerical dominance, cultural or social prevalence, or the strongest factor in a decision.
Easily confused with predominate
“Predominate” is a verb describing what is more common or dominant, while “predominant” is an adjective describing something that has the greatest importance or prevalence.
“Predominate” is generally a verb, whereas “preponderance” is a noun meaning the state of being more numerous, important, or influential.