prefer

American  

[pri-fur] / prɪˈfɜr /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to wish or feel inclined.

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

prefer British  

/ 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

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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

Related Words

See choose.

Other Word Forms

• preferredly adverb
• preferredness noun
• preferrer noun
• unpreferred adjective

Etymology

Origin of prefer

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

Example Sentences

Second, and even more concerning for the networks, is that AI systems could create a content feed layered on top of one’s preferred social media.

From Barron's

Second, and even more concerning for the networks, is that AI systems could create a content feed layered on top of one’s preferred social media.

From Barron's

If you prefer to argue ins and outs like John McEnroe—“You cannot be serious!”—then prepare to be disappointed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Inflation was 2.9 percent in December, according to the Fed's preferred gauge, above the bank's long-term target of two percent.

From Barron's

He preferred to paint subjects in contemporary dress but wasn’t literal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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