prefer
verb (used with object)
to set or hold before or above other persons or things in estimation; like better; choose rather than.
had preferred
-
past perfectof prefer.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A self-described B-student, he spent his childhood adventuring in the wilderness near his hometown of Seattle, and as a kid had preferred skiing to YouTube.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026
Non-combustible metal cladding, which the architects had preferred, would be replaced with a cheaper alternative, saving nearly £400,000.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2024
About his long career in politics, Mr. Lopes would often tell interviewers that he had preferred writing.
From New York Times ● Dec. 1, 2023
A 15-year-old from Cullman County, known only as Allison in the lawsuit, had preferred girl toys and clothes since a young child, the lawsuit states, and recently began taking estrogen.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 20, 2022
Instinctively, she settled herself at the same library table she had preferred in years gone by.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
