Prevail

Definition

Prevail means to prove more powerful or superior in the end, winning out after challenge or opposition. Sway, by contrast, focuses on the act of persuading, which may be temporary. So, prevail emphasises final, decisive victory, while sway emphasises the process of influencing, which may not endure.

What it describes

A small company is sued by a powerful corporation with endless resources. For three years, the corporation uses every legal trick to wear down the small company. But the small company refuses to settle, fights each case honestly, and finally wins a landmark judgment. After all the struggle, justice is served. What did justice do in the end? It prevailed.

Examples in context

• Despite early setbacks, truth will always prevail.
• After hours of debate, reason prevailed and the committee reached a compromise.