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Glite Dictionary
👍 To like more 💰 To pay first
to prefer

to prefer

∞ 1.3
To like or want one thing more than another
  • verb
  • /prɪˈfɜr/
translation icon : preferir
  • I prefer tea over coffee in the mornings.
  • students prefer
  • prefer to seek
  • prefer using

Steve Harvey, which do you prefer, drums or flats?

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Examples

  • So when it comes to which one I prefer, it depends on the day.

    KathleenLights

  • Which one would you prefer for the next nominee?

  • And that thing could be as simple as I prefer a simple space.

  • I can jump, but I prefer not to jump, right?

    Stanford

  • Yeah, I feel like I would prefer the glass skin situation.

  • Hands up if you prefer dogs to cats.

  • Would they prefer to see our faces or not?

  • Please select your preferred article of clothing.

    Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

  • Steve Harvey, which do you prefer, drums or flats?

    First We Feast

  • When it comes to markers, I of course prefer using a brush tip.

Synonyms

to like
vsto prefer
∞ 1.0

To want something, often as a polite request

picks one thing over another when comparing options
to choose
vsto prefer
∞ 1.0

Pick one thing or person from a group

expresses that one item is more wanted when compared with others
to favor
vsto prefer
  • US
286 2.0

To give someone special help or treatment

expresses personal liking that leads to picking one more often
to opt
vsto prefer
218 3.2

To choose one thing from two or more options

expresses stronger liking for one item among alternatives

Phrasal Verbs

to prefer over
12 3.0

To choose one thing instead of another because you like it more

How Much

to adore
274 2.4
to prefer
∞ 1.3
to like
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

prefer infinitive
preferring present participle
prefers third person singular
preferred past
preferred past participle

Etymology

Prefer comes from the Latin parts pre- 'before' and ferre 'to carry', so it originally meant 'to carry before' or put something in front. A helpful memory is to think of the same 'fer' in transfer ('carry across') — to prefer is to put one thing 'before' another in your choice or liking.