The difference between Prevalent and Rife

When used as adjectives, prevalent means widespread or preferred, whereas rife means widespread, common, prevalent, current (mainly of unpleasant or harmful things).


Rife is also adverb with the meaning: plentifully, abundantly.

check bellow for the other definitions of Prevalent and Rife

  1. Prevalent as an adjective:

    Widespread or preferred.

  2. Prevalent as an adjective:

    Superior in frequency or dominant.

  1. Rife as an adjective:

    Widespread, common, prevalent, current (mainly of unpleasant or harmful things).

    Examples:

    "Smallpox was rife after the siege had been lifted."

  2. Rife as an adjective:

    Abounding; present in large numbers, plentiful.

    Examples:

    "These woodlands are rife with red deer."

    "Watermelons are rife with seeds."

  3. Rife as an adjective:

    Full of (mostly unpleasant or harmful things).

    Examples:

    "Many post-colonial governments were rife with lawlessness and corruption."

  4. Rife as an adjective (obsolete):

    Having power; active; nimble.

  1. Rife as an adverb:

    Plentifully, abundantly.

    Examples:

    "The snowdrops grow rife on the slopes of Mount Pembroke."

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