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Definition of preferably

preferably

/ˈprɛf.ər.ə.bli/
pref · er · a · bly
Adjective:preferable
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preferably Lexical Profile

preferably Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Ideally or as a matter of choice; in a way that is more desirable or suitable than another option.

Example

"Please submit your application by Friday, preferably in a single PDF document."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for preferably
Antonyms
View all antonyms for preferably

• Nearby Words

prefecture
prefer
preferable
preferably
preference
preferential
preferentially

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'preferable' and the adverbial suffix '-ly', ultimately tracing back to the Latin verb 'praeferre', meaning 'to carry in front' or 'to hold in higher esteem'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preferably. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preferably
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