prevailing / ruling
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prevailing
Describes something that is dominant or prevailing at a certain time or in a certain place, such as an opinion or a fashion.
Die herrschende Meinung war, dass die neuen Regeln notwendig sind.
The prevailing opinion was that the new rules are necessary.
'Herrschend' (prevailing/ruling) is the present participle of the verb 'herrschen' (to rule/prevail). It is used as an adjective and describes something that is actively ruling, prevailing, or dominating at that moment.
Unter den herrschenden Umständen können wir nicht weiterarbeiten.
Under the prevailing circumstances, we cannot continue working.
This adjective is almost always used attributively, meaning before a noun. Predicative use, for example 'Die Meinung ist herrschend.' (The opinion is prevailing.), is grammatically possible but very uncommon and sounds unnatural.
Die herrschende Kälte machte allen zu schaffen.
The prevailing cold was hard on everyone.
The meaning depends on the noun. In connection with abstract terms like 'Meinung' (opinion) or 'Mode' (fashion), it means 'prevailing'. In connection with people or groups like 'Klasse' (class) or 'Partei' (party), it means 'ruling' or 'exercising power'.
Die herrschende Mode diktiert kurze Röcke in diesem Sommer.
The prevailing fashion dictates short skirts this summer.
widespread
'verbreitet' and 'herrschend' can both describe that something often occurs in a group, time period, or environment. 'verbreitet' mainly says: something exists in many places or among many people. 'herrschend' says more strongly: something is dominant and shapes the situation, for example an opinion, a mood, or a fashion. The words can be confused because a prevailing opinion is often also widespread. But 'herrschend' sounds stronger and fits better when something sets the tone. 'verbreitet' is more neutral and more general.
Im Team war lange die herrschende Meinung, dass das Projekt zu teuer ist.
For a long time, the prevailing opinion in the team was that the project is too expensive.
Diese App ist unter Jugendlichen weit verbreitet.
This app is widespread among teenagers.