preponderate

1 of 2

verb

pre·​pon·​der·​ate pri-ˈpän-də-ˌrāt How to pronounce preponderate (audio)
preponderated; preponderating

intransitive verb

1
: to exceed in weight
2
: to exceed in influence, power, or importance
3
: to exceed in numbers

transitive verb

1
archaic : outweigh
2
archaic : to weigh down

preponderate

2 of 2

adjective

pre·​pon·​der·​ate pri-ˈpän-də-rət How to pronounce preponderate (audio)
preponderately adverb

Examples of preponderate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Representation has preponderated in the medium to such an extent that its hold has seemed complete. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preponderate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin praeponderatus, past participle of praeponderare, from prae- + ponder-, pondus weight — more at pendant

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adjective

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preponderate was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near preponderate

Cite this Entry

“Preponderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preponderate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

preponderate

intransitive verb
pre·​pon·​der·​ate pri-ˈpän-də-ˌrāt How to pronounce preponderate (audio)
preponderated; preponderating
: to have greater credibility or convincing weight : have an outweighing effect
the evidence either was evenly balanced or preponderated in favor of the stateWeston v. State, 682 P.2d 1119 (1984)
such evidence preponderates against the board's decision
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