Which word best defines the meaning of prevalent?

Which word best defines the meaning of prevalent?

• A. Widespread
• B. Rare
• C. Isolated
• D. Temporary

Answer: (A)

Prevalence describes how common something is across a population or area. The best fit is widespread, because it signals that something occurs in many places or among many people, indicating broad distribution or frequency. This contrasts with rare (few occurrences), isolated (limited to one area or a single instance), or temporary (not lasting). For example, if a belief or practice is prevalent, you’ll see it in a large portion of the community, not just in one spot. So the word that matches this meaning most closely is widespread.

Prevalence describes how common something is across a population or area. The best fit is widespread, because it signals that something occurs in many places or among many people, indicating broad distribution or frequency. This contrasts with rare (few occurrences), isolated (limited to one area or a single instance), or temporary (not lasting). For example, if a belief or practice is prevalent, you’ll see it in a large portion of the community, not just in one spot. So the word that matches this meaning most closely is widespread.