preferably

adverb

pref·​er·​a·​bly ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē 

: by choice or preference

—used to indicate what is wanted or preferred

The work should be done soon, preferably by the end of the week.

Applicants should hold a college degree, preferably with teaching experience.

Water thoroughly during the coolest time of day (preferably early morning), then allow soil to dry completely … before watering again.

—Michael MacCaskey

Mound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.

—Lynne Rossetto Kasper

Synonyms

• fain
• first
• rather
• readily
• soon
• willingly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Just make sure to allow the suitcase to dry fully (preferably in the sun) before storing. —Nancy Einhart, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2023

Put your egg-poaching skills to the test with a next-level V-Day brunch (preferably in bed). —Women's Health, 10 Feb. 2023

The team is worth billions and can pay its own way, preferably in DC very close to a Metro station. —Sam Fortier, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2023

To be sure, get a fasting testosterone test at your doctors, preferably in the morning, when the hormone’s levels peak. —Richard Laliberte, Men's Health, 7 Feb. 2023

To care for lavender indoors, give it bright, direct light for a few hours every day, preferably in a south-facing window, and water when the soil is slightly dry. —Terri Robertson, Country Living, 1 Feb. 2023

Embrace ’90s beauty, including the reincarnation of lip liner, preferably in a brown hue; bring it to 2023 with a lip oil topper. —Meg Hemphill, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2023

As a fourth-liner, Blackwell’s primary objective is stopping the opposition and setting up the other lines with the puck, preferably in the offensive zone. —Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2023

Growing up, all of us dreamt of having a million dollars in the bank, or preferably in a large pile in a huge master bedroom. —Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above