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
About his long career in politics, Mr. Lopes would often tell interviewers that he had preferred writing.
From New York Times ● Dec. 1, 2023
"Juvenile crime is spreading like an oil stain," Meloni said during a press conference, saying that the state had preferred to shy away from tackling the problem in the past.
From Reuters ● Sep. 7, 2023
Villegas said that until a year ago, families had preferred traditional coffins in colors like brown, black, white or gray.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 4, 2023
I had preferred to cook or feed the animals.
From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien
