Main Entry: pre·fer

Pronunciation: \pri-ˈfər\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): pre·ferred; pre·fer·ring

Etymology: Middle English preferren, from Anglo-French preferrer, from Latin praeferre to put before, prefer, from prae- + ferre to carry — more at bear

Date: 14th century

1 : to promote or advance to a rank or position
2 : to like better or best <prefers sports to reading> <prefers to watch TV>
3 : to give (a creditor) priority
4 archaic : to put or set forward or before someone : recommend
5 : to bring or lay against someone <won't prefer charges>
6 : to bring forward or lay before one for consideration

— pre·fer·rer noun