preponderant
1
8.7
- adjective
- /prɪˈpɒndərənt/
:
preponderante
- The United States has a preponderant influence in global politics due to its military strength.
- preponderant power
- preponderant position
Examples
-
Finally, as a preponderant power, the United States can provide an important public good by acting as a mediator and convener.
Academic text (1999) -
Foreign agencies are the preponderant source of funding for most community action initiatives.
Academic text (1999) -
On the other hand, the United States is likely to remain preponderant well into the next century.
Academic text (1999) -
The combined capabilities of the United States and Japan are clearly preponderant over those of China.
Academic text (1998) -
Already the preponderant power, Washington actively seeks to further its lead.
Academic text (2001) -
Given its unrivaled strategic position and preponderant economic power, the United States feels little insecurity at present.
Academic text (2001) -
Athens' ability to involve its entire male citizenry in an increasingly naval democracy gave it preponderant military strength and great victories.
Academic text (1995) -
Relations with Western Europe are still the most important external ties, but they have become less preponderant than they were in the decade after independence and, in turn, are weaker than in the colonial period.
Academic text (1990) -
Deeply involved in social work in the agrarian area of Baalbeck, Yaghi testified to the preponderant role of women in agriculture.
Academic text (1993) -
The widely discussed expansion of NATO to incorporate Russia would make the West overwhelmingly preponderant, preventing any Chinese actions in the next century even if the Taiwan issue is unresolved.
Academic text (1998)
Synonyms
50
4.1
More common than others in a group or place
45
6.7
More important than anything else
20
4.8
More common or important than others in a group
17
8.0
The most respected and well known in a particular field
1
5.8
More important than anything else when making a decision
Having more power or influence than others
Being the most powerful or important in a group
Higher in rank within a group or system
Antonyms
How Influential
Surface Forms
Morphology
preponderant = preponderate (opaque) = preponderate + ant
Although formed by adding the adjective-forming suffix '-ant' to the verb 'preponderate', the verb and its Latin-derived components are rare and not transparent to typical learners.
Etymology
The word preponderant comes from Latin parts pre- 'before' and ponderare 'to weigh', so it originally meant 'weighing more'. So a preponderant thing has more 'weight' and therefore more power or importance than others.