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.

---

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

---

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

But Alisson Cassiano would surely prefer not to be remembered for scoring one of football's slickest own goals.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

My best guess is that Cassidy and Kaine themselves — being the intelligent and diligent legislators they are — would prefer a serious approach and offer this proposal simply to move their colleagues to action.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Hungarians almost certainly would oppose such a move because they prefer being part of the bloc, and they enjoy significant economic benefits from trade and investment with their neighbors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

It’s not like technology executives are starved for choice when it comes to getting their voice out, even if they prefer to avoid traditional media interviews.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“I would prefer that you talk less and listen more,” his lawyer, Steve Druskin, wrote to him, in late October 2006.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

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