preferably
96
3.1
- adverb
- /ˈprɛfərəbli/
:
preferiblemente
- She would like to study abroad, preferably in a country where she can learn the language.
- preferably if possible
- preferably on a day
- preferably most days
They all brought up this idea of feedback, and preferably early feedback at that.
- They all brought up this idea of feedback, and preferably early feedback at that.
- But before that, let's do one more trivia question, preferably one that we all know.
- Your baby needs milk of some kind, preferably human milk.
- Take a few handfuls of flour, preferably Bluebird or Navajo pride.
- I always have some green leafies during the day, preferably twice a day.
- He really wanted a smooth thing like this, preferably as impenetrable as possible.
- Go either early, preferably like right when they start for dinner service.
- But I do think it's critically important that for a writer to have a space and a time, preferably a daily routine.
Examples
-
Does anybody have a watch, preferably one with a second hand?
-
We should try to involve other regional actors, preferably in the lead role when possible.
Academic text (1999) -
If not, remember I would like to see you in my office hour and preferably the first few weeks.
-
Go either early, preferably like right when they start for dinner service.
-
I was looking for a premium looking material, preferably black.
-
As few people as possible should attend, preferably no more than three to five.
Academic text (1991) -
I asked the next few survivors to meet in a group, preferably at one of their homes.
Fiction book (1991) -
Have a replacement in mind, preferably someone already familiar with office procedures and systems.
Academic text (1994) -
White towels, preferably not pink beach towels.
-
I always have some green leafies during the day, preferably twice a day.
Synonyms
Antonyms
How Preferable
92
3.5
96
3.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
preferably = preferable (transparent) = prefer + able + ly
Formed by standard adjective-to-adverb suffixation from 'preferable' ('prefer' + '-able'), so the meaning is directly derived and obvious to learners.
Etymology
Preferably comes from the verb prefer, which comes from older parts pre- meaning 'before' and -fer meaning 'to carry'. Think of it as 'carrying something before' other choices — that is, picking it first — so preferably means 'ideally' or 'if possible' the option you like best.