prefer

pre·fer

verb \pri-ˈfər\

pre·ferredpre·fer·ring

Definition of PREFER

transitive verb

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

Examples of PREFER

1. Some people like vanilla ice cream, but I prefer chocolate.
2. She tends to prefer small college campuses.
3. I prefer this dictionary because of its helpful examples.
4. Which one is the preferred alternative?
5. What is the preferred pronunciation of her name?

Origin of PREFER

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PREFER

Synonyms: care (for), favor, lean (toward or towards), like, be partial to, go in for

Antonyms: decline, refuse, reject, turn down

Related Words: adore, cotton (to), delight (in), dig, enjoy, fancy, groove (on), relish, revel (in); choose, cull, handpick, name, pick, select, single (out), take; covet, crave, desire, hanker (for or after), want, wish (for); bias, prejudice; incline (toward), tend (to); admire, appreciate, cherish, prize, treasure, value

Near Antonyms: disfavor, dislike, mislike; abhor, abominate, detest, hate, loathe; decline, refuse, reject, turn down; discard, jettison, throw away, throw out

see all synonyms and antonyms

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