prefer

/pri'fə:/
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Thân thiện
prefer

I prefer reading a book to watching television.

Definition

Verb: 1. To like or want one thing or person more than another: To consider something or someone as better or more desirable than another option. 2. To give priority or advantage to one over another: To promote or advance someone to a position or rank. 3. To present or submit formally: To bring forward a charge, claim, or argument for consideration.

Usage

The verb "prefer" is used to express a choice or liking for one option over another. It is often followed by "to" when comparing two nouns or gerunds, and by an infinitive ("to" + verb) when stating a general choice.

Examples
  • Expressing a personal liking:
    • I prefer coffee to tea. (I like coffee more than tea.)
    • She prefers reading books over watching television.
  • Making a formal choice:
    • We preferred the second candidate for the job.
    • The customer preferred a refund to a replacement.
  • Formal presentation:
    • The police preferred charges against the suspect. (The police formally brought charges.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Prefer" with Infinitive or Gerund: Both structures are common. "Prefer to do" and "prefer doing" are often interchangeable for general statements.
    • I prefer to walk to work. / I prefer walking to work.
  • "Would prefer": Used for specific preferences in a particular situation, often sounding more polite.
    • "Would you prefer tea or coffee?" – "I'd prefer coffee, please."
  • "Greatly prefer" / "Strongly prefer": Used to emphasize the strength of the preference.
    • I strongly prefer that we discuss this in private.
Variants and Related Words
  • Preferable (adjective): More desirable or suitable.
    • A quiet room is preferable for studying.
  • Preference (noun): A greater liking for one alternative over another.
    • My preference is for classical music.
  • Preferred (adjective): Liked or wanted more than another.
    • What is your preferred method of contact?
Synonyms
  • Favor: To show approval or preference for.
    • He favors realistic paintings.
  • Choose: To select from a number of possibilities.
    • They chose the blue carpet.
  • Opt for: To make a choice, especially between options.
    • She opted for the earlier flight.
Phrasal Verbs

Note: "Prefer" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically expressed directly.

Related Idioms
  • Prefer charges (against someone): To make a formal accusation against someone in a legal context.
    • The company decided to prefer charges against the former employee for theft.
prefer

I prefer reading a book to watching television.

Verb
  1. give preference to one creditor over another
  2. promote over another
    • he favors his second daughter
  3. select as an alternative over another
    • I always choose the fish over the meat courses in this restaurant
    • She opted for the job on the East coast
  4. like better; value more highly
    • Some people prefer camping to staying in hotels
    • We prefer sleeping outside

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