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

Derived Forms

• preˈferrer, noun

Other Words From

• pre·fer·red·ly [pri-, fur, -id-lee, -, furd, -lee], adverb
• pre·fer·red·ness noun
• pre·fer·rer noun
• un·pre·ferred 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

Scorecards tell consumers how their preferred stores ranked on various benchmarks.

From Salon

“This is why I don’t like demand letters in these types of cases and prefer to immediately file a lawsuit. Don’t bark if you’re not going to bite,” Rahmani said.

From Los Angeles Times

He preferred Trump’s approach to Israel — specifically his decision to move the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

"Without lacking humility, I would prefer Ireland, England or France."

From BBC

Coaches earmarked Stona as best suited to play tight end, catching passes, although his preferred position and the one he would like to pursue is defensive end, tasked with pressuring the quarterback.

From BBC

Related Words

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