predominant

/prɪˈdɑːmɪnənt/

Origin

From Medieval Latin "praedominans", present participle of "praedominari": prae- (before, above) + dominari (to rule)

Definition

1. Having more power, influence, or authority than others; prevailing
2. Being the most frequent or common; most obvious or conspicuous
3. Being the strongest or main element

Example Sentences

• Red is the predominant color in this painting.
• Fear was the predominant emotion she felt before the presentation.
• English has become the predominant language in international business.

Word Forms

• Verb: predominate
• Adverb: predominantly
• Noun: predominance

Synonyms

• dominant
• prevailing
• main
• primary
• principal
• chief

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: pre (before) + dominant (ruling) = ruling before others
2. Think "PRE-DOMINANT" as something that comes before and dominates the scene
3. Associate with "domain" - something that predominates has control over its domain

Usage Note

Often used in academic and formal contexts to describe the main or most noticeable characteristic of something.