DictionaryAI

prefer

verb
Saypri-FUR/pɹɪˈfɝ/UK/pɹɪˈfɜː/

Formsprefers, preferring, preferred

4 meanings of prefer

Practice

  1. 1
    like betterverbtransitive
    To like or choose one thing more than another.

    Like always picking the red apple instead of the green one.

    I prefer tea to coffee in the morning.

    She prefers quiet evenings at home.

    UsageSay I prefer tea to coffee (not incorrect: prefer tea than coffee). With verbs: I'd prefer to stay rather than go.

    Similarfavor, choose, pick, select

    Note
  2. 2
    submit formallyverbtransitive
    To bring something formally to a person or group in charge.

    Like handing a complaint form to the people in charge.

    The officer decided to prefer charges against the driver.

    The officer will prefer charges against the soldier next week.

    UsageMost often in the phrase prefer charges against someone.

    Similarbring, file, lodge, press, submit

    Oppositedrop, withdraw

    Note
  3. 3
    promoteverbdatedtransitive
    To give someone a higher position or rank.
    For this Reaſon, I preſume, it was, that ſhe took ſo much Compaſſion upon me ; conſidering herſelf a Slave in a ſtrange Country, and on­ly preferr’d to my Maſter’s Bed by Courteſy.
    1743, Drury, Robert (sailor; author)Here, preferr'd means raised to a higher place or position.
    So ſhall you haue a ſhorter iourney to your deſires, by the meanes I ſhall then haue to preferre them. And the impediment moſt profitably remoued, without the which there were no expectation of our proſperitie.
    c. 1603, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice”

    Similarpromote, advance, elevate, raise

    Oppositedemote

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To offer something for acceptance, or introduce or recommend someone to another person.
    one Master David Hume, who making some use of his purse, gave him Letters to his friends in Scotland to preferre him to King Iames.
    1630, John Smith, The True TravelsHere, preferre means recommend or introduce someone to be accepted.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin "praeferō," which came into English through Anglo-Norman "preferer" and Middle English "preferren."

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts