preferable
Americanadjective
Usage
Since preferable already means more desirable, one should not say something is more preferable or most preferable
Other Word Forms
- nonpreferability noun
- nonpreferable adjective
- nonpreferableness noun
- nonpreferably adverb
- preferability noun
- preferableness noun
- preferably adverb
- unpreferable adjective
- unpreferableness noun
- unpreferably adverb
Etymology
Origin of preferable
From the French word préfsptérable, dating back to 1640–50. See prefer, -able
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Soluble fibers tend to add thickness and a creamy component, which is preferable when making a latte.
From Salon
She says for many of these patients, palliative care and managing their symptoms, mainly pain, would be preferable: "Their quality of life would be much better and we would avoid a hospital admission."
From BBC
A concession is preferable to ending up in court in an attempt to retain the deposit or, worse, having to put the home back on the market and hope another comparable offer comes in soon.
While it is preferable for crypto to be under rather than outside the regulatory umbrella, until the industry is comprehensively regulated, new and dangerous risks will continue entering the financial system.
Copper mining stocks, rather than diversified miners, are preferable, the analysts write.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.