prefer

The word “prefer” means to like one thing better than another. In plain terms, to choose or favor one option over another.

“Prefer” is pronounced prih-FUR ([pɹɪˈfɝ] in IPA).

Here is “prefer” used in a sentence: “I prefer tea to coffee in the mornings.”

“Prefer” is a verb.

The word “prefer” comes from Latin. From Latin praeferre, \"to carry before, put first,\" from prae- (\"before\") plus ferre (\"to carry\").

“Prefer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

'Like' simply means to find something pleasant or enjoyable. 'Prefer' is comparative — it means to like one thing more than another when choosing between them. You can like several things equally, but to prefer is to rank one above the rest and lean toward it.

You can prefer a thing ('I prefer tea'), prefer one thing to another ('I prefer tea to coffee'), or prefer doing something ('I prefer walking'). To state a choice between actions, 'prefer to do rather than do' is common, as in 'I prefer to walk rather than drive.'

Both express liking one option more, but they are built differently. 'Prefer' is a verb: 'I prefer tea.' 'Rather', in 'would rather', is followed by a bare verb: 'I would rather have tea.' They convey the same choice, just with different grammar and a slightly more casual tone for 'would rather'.

The noun is 'preference', meaning a greater liking for one thing over another, as in 'a preference for quiet evenings.' The related adjective is 'preferable', meaning more desirable, and the adverb is 'preferably', used to state which option is favoured.