1. The most widely accepted or currently dominant scientific, academic, or intellectual explanation or understanding of a phenomenon
The prevailing theory in physics suggests that dark matter comprises most of the universe's mass.
A teoria predominante na física sugere que a matéria escura compreende a maior parte da massa do universo.
2. The conventional wisdom or mainstream belief held by experts in a particular field at a given time
The prevailing theory about climate change is supported by overwhelming scientific evidence.
A teoria predominante sobre as mudanças climáticas é apoiada por evidências científicas esmagadoras.