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

Explanation

Prefer means to like better. If your parents prefer your sister to you, chances are her allowance will be higher and you'll get blamed for things she's done. If someone offers you hamburgers and hot dogs, it's more polite to say, "I'd prefer a hot dog," than "Blech, hamburgers. Gag me!" Note that prefer means not just to like, but to like better––you're comparing two or more things. Whether it be chocolate ice cream over other flavors, or getting going first thing in the morning as opposed to lounging in your PJs, what you prefer is called your preference. And if you like them all the same, you can say you have no preference

Example Sentences

Traditional Swiss watchmakers such as Rolex and Patek Philippe have struggled to connect with women, who prefer to buy watches from luxury brands such as Cartier and Chanel.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Biggar said both crime agencies would prefer children to be able to participate online safely and reap the benefits it provides.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Last week Vance even joked about the similarity himself, when asked about reports that Trump has been polling within the Republican party on whether they prefer Vance or Rubio.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

Here are some of the “low leverage leaders” they prefer:

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

“Because, Jake, even though I could get by on my looks, I prefer to be smart, too. Going for another straight-A report card.”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

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