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 position2: to like better or best <prefers sports to reading> <prefers to watch TV>3: to give (a creditor) priority4archaic : to put or set forward or before someone : recommend5: to bring or lay against someone <won't prefer charges>6: to bring forward or lay before one for consideration

— pre·fer·rer noun