WordLens

prefer

1 of 1verb
/prɪˈfɝ/
Forms:prefers,preferring,preferred,preferred
1

to want or choose one person or thing instead of another because of liking them more

A2transitive
  • She prefers the blue dress for the party because it's her favorite color.
  • Many people prefer to eat homemade meals over fast food.
  • He prefers spending his weekends reading a good book rather than going to crowded events.
  • Some students prefer studying in a quiet library as opposed to a noisy cafe.
  • They prefer to walk to work instead of taking public transportation because they enjoy the exercise.
2

select as an alternative over another

  • She prefers chocolate ice cream over vanilla because of its rich flavor.
  • Many people prefer hiking over cycling as it allows them to connect with nature more closely.
  • He prefers to work from home over commuting to the office for the convenience it offers.
  • They prefer online shopping over visiting physical stores because it saves them time.
  • Some individuals prefer tea over coffee in the evenings as it helps them relax before bedtime.
Synonyms:
chooseopt
3

to give someone a higher rank or position

transitive
  • They prefer him to a senior role in the company.
  • The company prefers employees who show initiative.
  • She was preferred because of her experience.
  • She was preferred after the retirement of her boss.
Synonyms:
favourfavor
4

to choose to pay or prioritize one creditor over others

transitive
  • The company prefers its long-term creditors before others.
  • She prefers her mortgage lender over other debts.
  • The business prefers its largest creditors to avoid legal issues.
  • The court decided to prefer the secured creditors in the bankruptcy case.
  • During the financial crisis, they chose to prefer local suppliers.