prefer
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for prefer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To like one thing better than another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use prefer
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin praeferre, \"to carry before, put first,\" from prae- (\"before\") plus ferre (\"to carry\").
Full origin of prefer →Frequently asked questions
What does “prefer” mean?
The word “prefer” means to like one thing better than another. In plain terms, to choose or favor one option over another.
How do you pronounce “prefer”?
“Prefer” is pronounced prih-FUR ([pɹɪˈfɝ] in IPA).
How do you use “prefer” in a sentence?
Here is “prefer” used in a sentence: “I prefer tea to coffee in the mornings.”
What part of speech is “prefer”?
“Prefer” is a verb.
Where does the word “prefer” come from?
The word “prefer” comes from Latin. From Latin praeferre, \"to carry before, put first,\" from prae- (\"before\") plus ferre (\"to carry\").
Is “prefer” a common word?
“Prefer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'prefer' and 'like'?
'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.
How do you use 'prefer' in a sentence?
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.'
What is the difference between 'prefer' and 'would rather'?
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'.
What is the noun form of 'prefer'?
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.