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.

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