Question 1

What does "prevail upon" mean?

Accepted Answer

To successfully persuade someone — often through persistence or moral argument — to do something they were unwilling to do.

Question 2

How do you use "prevail upon" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

She finally prevailed upon her elderly father to see a doctor.

Question 3

Is "prevail upon" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"prevail upon" is formal — used mainly in written or official contexts. Distinctly formal and somewhat literary. Implies that persuasion required effort and that the person was initially unwilling. Always takes a human object followed by an infinitive: 'prevail upon someone to do something'. Common in formal correspondence, literary writing, and formal speech. Using it in casual conversation would sound stiff or old-fashioned.

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