# prefer

Pronunciation: say "pri-FUR" US /pɹɪˈfɝ/, UK /pɹɪˈfɜː/

## Verb

1. To choose or like one thing more than another, usually as a matter of habit.
   - Simple: To like or choose one thing more than another.
   - _Many travelers prefer trains over planes for short journeys._
   - _He preferred the older edition for its detailed footnotes._
2. To formally present or submit something, such as charges, to an authority for consideration.
   - Simple: To bring something formally to a person or group in charge.
   - _The prosecutor chose to prefer charges after reviewing the evidence._
   - _The district attorney said she would prefer fraud charges against both company directors._

## Verb

3. To advance or promote someone to a higher position or office. *(dated)*
   - Simple: To give someone a higher position or rank.
4. To put someone or something forward for acceptance; to introduce or recommend them to someone. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To offer something for acceptance, or introduce or recommend someone to another person.

## Origin

From Middle English "preferren," from Anglo-Norman "preferer," from Latin "praeferō." It displaced the native Old English words "foresettan" and "foreberan," and is a doublet of "prelate."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/prefer (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).