I.a.
I. Neutr., to be of greater weight, to preponderate, incline (post-Aug.; cf. propendeo).
A. Lit.: “ne, portionum aequitate turbatā, mundus praeponderet,” Sen. Q. N. 3, 10, 3: “quotiens in alterum latus praeponderans declinarat sarcina,” App. M. 7, 17.—
B. Trop.
1. To be of more weight or influence, to have the preference: “aliquis reum me defendit, sed uxorem meam violavit ... in comparatione beneficii praeponderavit injuria,” Sen. Ben. 6, 4, 1: “quamvis injuriae praeponderent,” id. Ep. 81, 4: “honestas praeponderat,” Gell. 1, 3, 25: “exsul,” Stat. Th. 8, 615.—
2. To turn the scale, give a decision, incline: “in humaniorem partem,” Sen. Clem. 1, 2, 2: “si neutro litis condicio praeponderet,” decides neither one way nor the other, Quint. 7, 2, 39: “quo praeponderet alea fati,” Luc. 6, 603. —
3. Absol., to show preference, to act with partiality: “inter duos liberos pari desperatione languentes, da bonum patrem, non praeponderabit,” Quint. Decl. 8, 9; cf.: “neutrum, si in neutram partem praeponderet,” inclines, Varr. L. L. 10, § 5 Müll.—
II. Act., to outweigh (class.): “qui omnia metiuntur emolumentis et commodis, neque ea volunt praeponderari honestate,” to be surpassed, Cic. Off. 3, 4, 18.
