prefer

verb

pre·​fer pri-ˈfər How to pronounce prefer (audio)
preferred; preferring

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
preferrer noun

Examples of prefer in a Sentence

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?
Recent Examples on the Web If someone prefers a shorter stay, say July 1st to Labor Day, the price dips to $1 million. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024 However, the average viewer prefers a more concise show. Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Their connection was a slow burn, with Raven preferring to lead him in workout sessions rather than build their physical connection. Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024 Editor’s picks Valory has done very few interviews over the years, preferring to let his bandmates tell the story of Journey. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 First baseman Freddie Freeman, for example, still prefers more traditional drills hitting balls flipped to him or placed on a tee. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 To control their own costs, companies at times prefer to reduce the size of their products rather than raise their prices – otherwise known as shrinkflation. Tami Luhby, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Horse riders preferred to stay to the left to keep their right hands toward oncoming traffic for greetings and, if needed, fighting. Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 Democrats, looking to be more egalitarian, prefer to award delegates proportionally, but that can prolong primary fights. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prefer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prefer was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near prefer

Cite this Entry

“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefer. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prefer

verb
pre·​fer pri-ˈfər How to pronounce prefer (audio)
preferred; preferring
1
: to choose or like better than another
prefer dark clothes
2
: to present for action or consideration
prefer charges against a thief

Legal Definition

prefer

transitive verb
pre·​fer pri-ˈfər How to pronounce prefer (audio)
preferred; preferring
1
: to give (a creditor or debt) priority or preference
any preferred charges such as child support or alimonyIn re Smiley, 427 P.2d 179 (1967)
2
: to bring forward for determination
especially : to bring (a charge) against someone
the various means by which a grand jury might prefer charges State v. Byrd, 399 S.E.2d 267 (1990)

More from Merriam-Webster on prefer

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