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View synonyms for

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: ,

    Antonyms:

  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: , ,

    Antonyms:

  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

/ ɪˈɜː /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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
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Derived Forms

  • ˈڱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ڱ·· [pri-, fur, -id-lee, -, furd, -lee], adverb
  • ·ڱ··Ա noun
  • ·ڱ· noun
  • ܲ··ڱ adjective
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of prefer1

C14: from Latin praeferre to carry in front, prefer, from prae in front + ferre to bear
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Synonym Study

See choose.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

A tier below, Choice Preferred offers preferred seating and early general boarding.

From

Is grilling your preferred cooking method overall, or do you reserve it for the summer months?

From

No one should expect those Liberals to say thank you to the American leader, however – or for Trump to soften his rhetoric, even though last month he said he preferred a Liberal prime minister.

From

The public meltdown, in which you declare yourself the world's greatest victim, is the preferred GOP method of political communication these days.

From

Gilmer continued to make a strong case as the team’s top receiver as the preferred target of Duncan.

From

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prefecture apostolicpreferable