First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
prefer
verb pre·fer \pri-ˈfər\
: to like (someone or something) better than someone or something else
law : to make (a charge) against someone in a court of law
pre·ferredpre·fer·ring
Full Definition of PREFER
transitive verb
1
: to promote or advance to a rank or position
2
: to like better or best <prefers sports to reading> <prefers to watch TV>
3
: to give (a creditor) priority
4
archaic : to put or set forward or before someone : recommend
5
: to bring or lay against someone <won't prefer charges>
6
: to bring forward or lay before one for consideration
— pre·fer·rer noun
See prefer defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PREFER
Middle English preferren, from Anglo-French preferrer, from Latin praeferre to put before, prefer, from prae- + ferre to carry — more at bear
Related to PREFER
- Synonyms
- care (for), favor, lean (toward or towards), like, be partial to, go in for
PREFERRING Defined for Kids
prefer
verb pre·fer \pri-ˈfər\
pre·ferredpre·fer·ring
Definition of PREFER for Kids
: to like better than another or others <She prefers chocolate ice cream.>
Word Root of PREFER
The Latin word ferre, meaning “to carry” or “to bring,” gives us the root fer. Words from the Latin ferre have something to do with carrying. To transfer is to carry across from one person, place, or condition to another. To confer is to bring something to someone in order to present it. To offer is to bring forth for another to accept or reject. To prefer is to carry a stronger liking for one over another.
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