Predominant vs. Predominate — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 9, 2024
Predominant describes the most common or influential element, while predominate means to be the strongest or main element in a mixture.
Difference Between Predominant and Predominate
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Key Differences
Predominant is an adjective used to describe something that holds superiority or majority over others in quality, strength, or influence. It indicates that the entity being described is the most noticeable or effective among others within a certain context or area. On the other hand, predominate is a verb that describes the action or state of dominating, surpassing, or having a greater presence or influence over others. While both terms relate to having a superior position or influence, "predominant" is used to describe the state of being most common or influential, and "predominate" refers to the act or condition of being the strongest or most prevalent force or element.
The usage context of these words differs; "predominant" is often used to qualify nouns, illustrating characteristics such as dominant trends, colors, or features within a group, setting, or composition. Conversely, "predominate" is used to describe an action or occurrence, illustrating how one element overrides others in influence or numbers. For instance, when discussing the color scheme of a painting where blue is the most noticeable color, one would say, "Blue is the predominant color." Conversely, in discussing how one flavor overpowers others in a dish, one might say, "The taste of garlic predominates."
In terms of their root and formation, both words stem from the Latin word "praedominari," meaning to rule over or dominate. The difference lies in their grammatical function; "predominant" is an adjective that modifies nouns, whereas "predominate" is a verb that denotes an action. This distinction is crucial for proper usage in sentences and affects how each word interacts with other parts of speech.
"Predominant" is commonly used in discussions where static descriptions of hierarchy, influence, or frequency are necessary. It's applicable in diverse contexts, from social science to color theory. "Predominate," however, is more dynamic, often used in scenarios describing processes, changes, or trends where one element gains superiority over time or through certain conditions.
Understanding the difference between these terms is key to using them correctly. "Predominant" is suitable when describing the most prominent attribute of an object or situation, while "predominate" should be used when discussing the process or outcome of becoming the most significant or controlling factor.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Verb
Meaning
Describes the most common or influential element
Means to be the strongest or main element
Usage
Used to qualify nouns
Describes an action or occurrence
Example
"The predominant theme of the book is redemption."
"Spicy flavors predominate in this cuisine."
Context
Static descriptions of hierarchy, influence, or frequency
Dynamic scenarios of gaining superiority or influence
Compare with Definitions
Predominant
Highlights the superiority or majority in quality or influence.
The predominant opinion among experts is that the policy will benefit the economy.
Predominate
Describes the process or condition of becoming dominant.
Warm colors predominate in the design, giving it a vibrant feel.
Predominant
Broadly applicable across various disciplines and contexts.
Jazz has been a predominant influence on the musician’s latest album.
Predominate
Can describe shifts in dominance over time.
Throughout history, various empires have predominated, shaping the world's political landscape.
Predominant
Serving as the most common or significant among others.
Green is the predominant color in the painting, setting a tranquil mood.
Predominate
Indicates changes or trends leading to dominance.
In recent years, digital forms of communication predominate over traditional methods.
Predominant
Used to describe attributes or characteristics that stand out.
In medieval Europe, the predominant form of government was monarchy.
Predominate
Used in describing the ascendance of certain elements or ideas.
In the discussion, pragmatic approaches predominated theoretical ones.
Predominant
Reflects the most influential or widespread elements within a culture.
Collectivism is predominant in many Eastern cultures, influencing social behavior and norms.
Predominate
To have or gain superiority, influence, or control.
In the ecosystem, invasive species often predominate, disrupting local habitats.
Predominant
Having the most importance, influence, or force
The predominant theory in the field.
Predominate
To have or gain controlling power or influence; prevail
Good predominates over evil in many literary works.
Predominant
Most common or conspicuous; main or prevalent
"Egrets, gulls and small mammals are the predominant wildlife on the island these days" (Dan McCoubrey).
Predominate
To be of or have greater quantity or importance; preponderate
French-speaking people predominate in Quebec.
Predominant
Common or widespread; prevalent.
Predominate
To dominate or prevail over.
Predominant
Significant or important; dominant.
Predominate
Predominant.
Predominant
(music) A subdominant.
Predominate
(intransitive) To dominate, have control, or succeed by superior numbers or size.
Predominant
Having the ascendency over others; superior in strength, influence, or authority; prevailing; as, a predominant color; predominant excellence.
Those help . . . were predominant in the king's mind.
Foul subordination is predominant.
Predominate
(intransitive) To be prominent; to loom large; to be the chief component of a whole.
Predominant
Most frequent or common;
Prevailing winds
Predominate
(transitive) To dominate or hold power over, especially through numerical advantage; to outweigh.
Predominant
Having superior power and influence;
The predominant mood among policy-makers is optimism
Predominate
Predominant.
Predominate
To be superior in number, strength, influence, or authority; to have controlling power or influence; to prevail; to rule; to have the mastery; as, love predominated in her heart.
[Certain] rays may predominate over the rest.
Predominate
To rule over; to overpower.
Predominate
Be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance;
Money reigns supreme here
Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood
Predominate
Appear very large or occupy a commanding position;
The huge sculpture predominates over the fountain
Large shadows loomed on the canyon wall
Predominate
Having superior power and influence;
The predominant mood among policy-makers is optimism
Common Curiosities
Can "predominate" imply a change over time?
Yes, "predominate" can describe a dynamic process where something becomes more dominant or influential over time.
What distinguishes "predominant" from "predominate"?
"Predominant" is an adjective describing something as most common or influential, while "predominate" is a verb indicating the action or state of being the most influential or strongest element.
Can "predominant" and "predominate" be used interchangeably?
No, due to their different grammatical functions; "predominant" is an adjective, and "predominate" is a verb. Their usage depends on whether you are describing a quality (predominant) or an action/process (predominate).
How do I choose between "predominant" and "predominate"?
Choose "predominant" when you need an adjective to describe the most notable feature of something. Use "predominate" when you need a verb to describe the act of surpassing or being the most influential.
Are there contexts where either "predominant" or "predominate" would be inappropriate to use?
Yes, using "predominant" as a verb or "predominate" as an adjective would be incorrect. Their appropriateness also depends on the context of description versus action.
Are there synonyms that can replace "predominant" and "predominate" without changing the meaning?
For "predominant," synonyms like "prevalent" or "dominant" work well. For "predominate," verbs like "dominate" or "prevail" are suitable alternatives.
Is the meaning of "predominant" purely quantitative?
While "predominant" often implies numerical superiority, it also refers to the most influential or significant element, not solely based on quantity.
Do "predominant" and "predominate" share the same root?
Yes, both come from the Latin "praedominari," meaning to rule over or dominate, reflecting their shared theme of dominance.
How does the usage of "predominant" and "predominate" reflect upon academic versus casual communication?
In academic writing, precise usage according to grammatical function is crucial, reflecting clarity and specificity. In casual communication, while the distinction remains important, there might be more flexibility in how the terms are understood or employed.
How does audience perception change with the use of "predominant" vs. "predominate"?
"Predominant" may lead the audience to focus on identifying the leading attribute or factor, while "predominate" might direct attention to the dynamics or process of becoming dominant.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
