prefer
prefer Lexical Profile
prefer Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To like, choose, or want one thing or person better than another.
"Many commuters prefer taking the train to driving in heavy city traffic."
To submit or bring forward a formal charge, claim, or accusation for consideration by a legal authority (used in law).
"The prosecutor decided to prefer formal charges against the suspect after reviewing the evidence."
To give priority to a particular creditor or class of shareholders regarding payment or dividends (used in finance and law).
"During bankruptcy proceedings, a debtor may not unlawfully prefer one creditor over another."
To promote or advance someone to a higher office, rank, or dignity (archaic or formal).
"The young cleric was quickly preferred to a prestigious bishopric."
Word Nuance & Usage
When comparing two nouns or gerunds, 'prefer' takes the preposition 'to' rather than 'than' or 'over' in standard formal English (e.g., 'I prefer tea to coffee'). However, when comparing two infinitives, 'rather than' is used (e.g., 'She prefers to walk rather than drive').
• Rhymes for prefer
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'preferer', from Latin 'praeferre' ('to place before, esteem more'), formed from 'prae-' ('before') and 'ferre' ('to carry or bear').