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

• preferredly adverb
• preferredness noun
• preferrer 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

Some supervisors said they would prefer to let a judge decide.

From Los Angeles Times

I have a toddler’s palate, so I prefer a sweet coffee drink.

From Los Angeles Times

“Not everyone has access to a bank account or credit card — and some riders simply prefer paying with cash. That’s why we’re introducing a cash payment option.”

From Los Angeles Times

Bellamy would rather be in control, just as he would prefer his team to control matches.

From BBC

Armani preferred straighter lines, subtler curves and light, fluid fabrics, to the point where his eveningwear gradually evolved into semi-sheer dresses that seemed to wrap the body in fine netting.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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