preponderate

[ pri-pon-duh-reyt ]

verb (used without object)

, pre·pon·der·at·ed, pre·pon·der·at·ing.

1. to exceed something else in weight; be the heavier.
2. to incline downward or descend, as one scale or end of a balance, because of greater weight; be weighed down.
3. to be superior in power, force, influence, number, amount, etc.; predominate:

   Evidence for the accused preponderated at the trial.

preponderate

/ prɪˈpɒndəˌreɪt /

verb

1. often foll by over to be more powerful, important, numerous, etc (than)
2. to be of greater weight than something else

Derived Forms

• preˌponderˈation, noun
• preˈponderˌating, adjective
• preˈponderately, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·ponder·ation noun
• unpre·ponder·ated adjective
• unpre·ponder·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preponderate¹

1615–25; < Latin praeponderātus, past participle of praeponderāre to outweigh. See pre-, ponder, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of preponderate¹

C17: from Late Latin praeponderāre to be of greater weight, from pondus weight

Example Sentences

“If his own opinion prevails at some times, he should acquiesce on seeing that of others preponderate at others. Without this mutual disposition we are disjointed individuals, but not a society.”

From Washington Post

The higher the tax rate the more the substitution effect preponderates and that’s what gives us our Laffer Curve.

From Forbes

If the number of sheep who were black, or even grey, preponderated and if laxity were general in the community, the chapter would not concern itself to raise its own standard.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor is it less certain that in civilised, and therefore developed man, the good greatly preponderates over the evil.

From Project Gutenberg

On the whole perhaps the good preponderated, for they undoubtedly aided in postponing a revolution for which the world was not yet ready.

From Project Gutenberg