preferable

American  

[pref-er-uh-buhl, pref-ruh-, pri-fur-] / ˈprɛf ər ə bəl, ˈprɛf rə-, prɪˈfɜr- /

adjective

1. more desirable.

2. worthy to be preferred.

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preferable British  

/ ˈprɛfrəbəl, ˈprɛfərəbəl /

adjective

1. preferred or more desirable

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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

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

Copper mining stocks, rather than diversified miners, are preferable, the analysts write.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• desirable
• excellent
• preferred
• superior