preferably

British  

/ ˈprɛfrəblɪ, ˈprɛfərəblɪ /

adverb

1. ideally; by preference; if one had a choice

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Explanation

The adverb preferably refers to the most desirable choice. You could say you were looking for a new car, preferably a hybrid. That means that a hybrid is the kind of car you would choose over any other kind. As preferably is the adverb form of the word "prefer," we can find its roots in the Latin praeferre, which means "to set before." When you use preferably you're saying you'd set that choice before all others, though you might accept something else. Musician David Byrne once said, "I wanted to be a secret agent and an astronaut, preferably at the same time."

Example Sentences

“Hag” is meant to be watched, enjoyed and watched all over again, preferably with a different set of friends than the first go-round so the gospel can spread as quickly as possible.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

In early March, Bern announced its intention to examine the acquisition of an additional long-range surface-to-air missile system, preferably manufactured in Europe, to complement the Patriot system.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“For the market to buy back into the hyperscalers will require a clearer path to monetization, preferably into the context of healthy margins,” they said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

It is important to be seen as a key team member, preferably by pumping yourself up instead of dishing dirt on co-workers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Oh, my daughter, at times you have to fight, but preferably not with yourfists.

From "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai