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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.

"We're open to a different system," she told the Telegraph, but admitted no preferred options had been put forward yet.

From

Malawian traders like Jeniffa Mshani said they preferred agricultural goods from Tanzania because it was easier and more affordable to source them across the border.

From

Pope Francis refused to heed advice to slow down in his final few years, preferring to "die with his boots on", according to a close aide.

From

In a statement at the time, Disney said it recognized “many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”

From

Perhaps forced out of more natural areas by the other species, some fence lizards may have moved to suburbia, making trees and fences their preferred habitats.

From

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prefecture apostolicpreferable