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
- Some people like vanilla ice cream, but I prefer chocolate.
- She tends to prefer small college campuses.
- I prefer this dictionary because of its helpful examples.
- Which one is the preferred alternative?
- 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
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
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