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

Cassidy said he would prefer a “more direct” approach of simply giving factory-built projects more money.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The roster of shows where Silicon Valley's elite now prefer to make news constitutes a parallel media ecosystem.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Banks may build provisions before improving later, while consumer demand could soften, they say, and prefer more defensive names for now.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Using a tax-advantaged 529 college savings account would maximize growth, although some families prefer the flexibility of a taxable brokerage account.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

"After thinking the matter over carefully, I have decided that I would prefer not to meet it."

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

Related Words

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