preferably

British  

/ ˈprɛfrəblɪ, ˈprɛfərəblɪ /

adverb

1. ideally; by preference; if one had a choice

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Explanation

The adverb preferably refers to the most desirable choice. You could say you were looking for a new car, preferably a hybrid. That means that a hybrid is the kind of car you would choose over any other kind. As preferably is the adverb form of the word "prefer," we can find its roots in the Latin praeferre, which means "to set before." When you use preferably you're saying you'd set that choice before all others, though you might accept something else. Musician David Byrne once said, "I wanted to be a secret agent and an astronaut, preferably at the same time."

Example Sentences

"Everyone should eat their ice cream -- maybe preferably earlier in the day. Small, consistent habits, like maintaining a structured meal routine, may help promote more regular eating patterns and support digestive function over time."

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

“Hag” is meant to be watched, enjoyed and watched all over again, preferably with a different set of friends than the first go-round so the gospel can spread as quickly as possible.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

For more than a year, the owners of other major league teams have telegraphed their desire to restrain all that spending, preferably through a salary cap.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

It is important to be seen as a key team member, preferably by pumping yourself up instead of dishing dirt on co-workers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

He hoped very much that they would all assume he had been involved in something heroic, preferably involving a couple of Death Eaters and a dementor.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling