preponderance

[ pri-pon-der-uhns ]

noun

1. the fact or quality of being preponderant; superiority in weight, power, numbers, etc.:

   The preponderance of votes is against the proposal.

   Synonyms: bulk, mass, majority, predominance

preponderance

/ prɪˈpɒndərəns; prɪˈpɒndərənsɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being greater in weight, force, influence, etc

   the preponderance of right-handed people

Word History and Origins

Origin of preponderance¹

First recorded in 1675–85; preponder(ant) + -ance

Example Sentences

The preponderance of such signs was uncommon in Laguna Beach, once known for its large gay population and the first openly gay mayor in California.

From Los Angeles Times

Like other major California campuses campuses, USC filed charges against students based on a “preponderance of evidence.”

From Los Angeles Times

So is the critical question of burden of proof — whether Smith must show the case won’t intrude on executive authority by a preponderance of the evidence, for example, or beyond a reasonable doubt.

From Los Angeles Times

They were given fair trials in a democracy for their crimes and then found guilty based on the preponderance of the evidence.

From Salon

The researchers say, that in the absence of pollinators, the human diet will shift towards a preponderance of wheat, rice, oat, and corn, as these are wind-pollinated crops.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• predominance
• prevalence