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

Touted as a possible supporting actress Oscar nominee, Lilleaas in person is reserved but thoughtful, someone who prefers observing the people around her rather than being in the spotlight.

From Los Angeles Times

The fear that using AI will “rot the human brain” is akin to the initial reluctance to allow graphing calculators in math classes, with teachers preferring graph paper instead.

From MarketWatch

In 2008, when the mortgage meltdown threatened the U.S. housing market, the Treasury agreed to support the two companies in exchange for senior preferred stock purchase agreements.

From Barron's

Generally in the UK, customers prefer not to complain directly, says Sam.

From BBC

Within software, the firm prefers the makers of underlying infrastructure, such as operating systems and servers, rather than the makers of applications, which explains their preference for IBM over Adobe.

From Barron's

Related Words

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