prefer

[pri-fur]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to wish or feel inclined.

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

prefer

/ 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

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prefer¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prefer¹

C14: from Latin praeferre to carry in front, prefer, from prae in front + ferre to bear

Synonym Study

See choose.

Example Sentences

Rather than giving the asteroid a consistent push, the effect of absorbing and re-emitting sunlight is smoothed out, so there's no preferred push in any direction.

From Science Daily

When scientists apply weak magnetic fields, they reverse the direction these currents spin, and as a result, the preferred direction of current flow in the metal changes.

From Science Daily

"Those that prefer cold or survive on only a specialist diet are likely to be more affected."

From BBC

I prefer Duncan Hines frosting over Pillsbury — it’s tangier — and I fold in about ¼ cup Murray’s Heirloom Apple Butter, a pinch of salt, a splash of vanilla and the zest of an orange.

From Salon

Another source, also involved in the negotiations and speaking to BBC Brasil on condition of anonymity, was more direct: they said that Lula's government would have preferred a different interlocutor to Rubio.

From BBC

Related Words

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