prefer

[ pri-fur ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·ferred, pre·fer·ring.

1. to set or hold before or above other persons or things in estimation; like better; choose rather than:

   to prefer beef to chicken.

   Synonyms: fancy, favor

   Antonyms: reject

2. Law. to give priority, as to one creditor over another.
3. to put forward or present (a statement, suit, charge, etc.) for consideration or sanction.

   Synonyms: tender, proffer, offer

   Antonyms: retract

4. to put forward or advance, as in rank or office; promote:

   to be preferred for advancement.

verb (used without object)

1. to wish or feel inclined:

   For this stir-fry you can skip the cashews if you prefer.

prefer

/ prɪˈfɜː /

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive to like better or value more highly

   I prefer to stand

2. law to give preference, esp to one creditor over others
3. (esp of the police) to put (charges) before a court, judge, magistrate, etc, for consideration and judgment
4. tr; often passive to advance in rank over another or others; promote

Usage

Normally, to is used after prefer and preferable, not than: I prefer Brahms to Tchaikovsky; a small income is preferable to no income at all . However, than or rather than should be used to link infinitives: I prefer to walk than/rather than to catch the train

Derived Forms

• preˈferrer, noun

Other Words From

• pre·fer·red·ly [pri-, fur, -id-lee, -, furd, -lee], adverb
• pre·fer·red·ness noun
• pre·fer·rer noun
• un·pre·ferred adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prefer¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English preferren, prefer(re), from Anglo-French, Old French preferer, from Latin praeferre “to bear before, set before, prefer,” equivalent to prae- pre- + ferre to bear ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of prefer¹

C14: from Latin praeferre to carry in front, prefer, from prae in front + ferre to bear

Synonym Study

See choose.

Example Sentences

He is expected to play the 3-4-3 formation he preferred in Portugal - a big change from the standard four-man defence they had under Ten Hag.

From BBC

Stallion-mediated breeding is the preferred method used in horses for several reasons, one being that it's much easier to analyze a stallion's fertility than a mare's.

From Science Daily

Finally there’s the option of offering “safe and legal” routes for refugees to enter Britain, the policy preferred by some charities.

From BBC

Maybe we don’t think much about that aspect of love, preferring to dwell — as most movies do — on all the moony, swoony parts.

From New York Times

People prefer political leaders who make them feel great about their country and who identify themselves with its promise and glory.

From Salon

Related Words

• adopt
• choose
• go for
• pick
• promote
• put
• select
• suggest
• wish