prefer Definition
- 1to like, choose, or want one thing rather than another
- 2to give priority or precedence to one thing over another
Using prefer: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "prefer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I prefer coffee to tea.
Example
She prefers to work alone.
Example
He prefers classical music over pop music.
Example
We prefer to stay at home on weekends.
prefer Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using prefer
Example
She prefers her own company and rarely goes out with friends.
to choose something familiar, even if it is not ideal, over something unfamiliar and potentially worse
Example
I know this job isn't great, but I prefer the devil I know to the devil I don't.
to like or want someone or something more than someone or something else
Example
I prefer chocolate ice cream to vanilla ice cream.
Phrases with prefer
the act of giving someone or something an advantage over others
Example
The company was accused of giving preferential treatment to certain employees.
a system of voting in which voters rank candidates in order of preference
Example
The Australian federal election uses a preferential voting system.
an agreement between countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs on certain goods traded between them
Example
The United States has preferential trade agreements with several countries in Latin America.
Origins of prefer
from Old French 'preferer', from Latin 'praeferre', meaning 'to carry in front'
Summary: prefer in Brief
The verb 'prefer' [prəˈfər] means to choose or like one thing over another, or to give priority to one thing over another. It can be used in various contexts, such as personal preferences, work, or politics. Examples include 'I prefer coffee to tea,' 'She prefers to work alone,' and 'We prefer to stay at home on weekends.' Idioms like 'prefer one's own company' and 'prefer the devil you know to the devil you don't' add nuances to the meaning.
