prefer

[pri-fur]

verb (used with object)

preferred, preferring 

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

Other Word Forms

• preferrer noun
• preferredly adverb
• preferredness noun
• unpreferred 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

The White House feeds its preferred outlets — Real America’s Voice, Right Side Broadcasting, Fox News and a handful of right-wing influencers — while starving mainstream reporters of access and painting them as subversive threats.

From Salon

US captain Keegan Bradley has opted to stick with their preferred tactic of starting their home matches with alternate shot foursomes.

From BBC

The wireless earphones will feature "Live Translation," which allows users to hear in their preferred language on their AirPods.

From BBC

What she would really prefer, she says, is for these countries to prevent more killing.

From BBC

Several overseas clubs, including Juventus, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen, showed interest in Sterling, but he preferred to stay in London to remain close to his family.

From BBC

Related Words

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