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

• preferrer noun
• preferredly adverb
• preferredness 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

I prefer unbleached flour when dealing with those types of yeasts.

From Salon

But Mitchell as expected has gone for consistency in selection instead of making a big call to unsettle his preferred matchday 23.

From BBC

"But I do slightly have to laugh because there's this idea swirling around somehow that I'm Number 10's preferred candidate for all of this."

From BBC

Some autistic people may have intense interests, prefer order and routine, and use repeated movements or actions to calm themselves or express joy.

From BBC

Jacklin was left out of the side, with Jacobs preferring the "disgraced" James.

From BBC

Related Words

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