prefer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb like better; value more highly
    • Some people prefer camping to staying in hotels
    • We prefer sleeping outside
  2. verb select as an alternative over another
    opt; choose.
    • I always choose the fish over the meat courses in this restaurant
    • She opted for the job on the East coast
  3. verb promote over another
    favor; favour.
    • he favors his second daughter
  4. verb give preference to one creditor over another

WordNet

Pre*fer" transitive verb
Etymology
F. préférer, L. praeferre; prae before + ferre to bear or carry. See 1st Bear.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Preferred ; present participle & verbal noun Preferring
Definitions
  1. To carry or bring (something) forward, or before one; hence, to bring for consideration, acceptance, judgment, etc.; to offer; to present; to proffer; to address; -- said especially of a request, prayer, petition, claim, charge, etc.
    He spake, and to her hand preferred the bowl. Pope.
    Presently prefer his suit to Cæsar. Shak.
    Three tongues prefer strange orisons on high. Byron.
  2. To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass. Obs. "Though maidenhood prefer bigamy." Chaucer.
  3. To cause to go before; hence, to advance before others, as to an office or dignity; to raise; to exalt; to promote; as, to prefer an officer to the rank of general.
    I would prefer him to a better place. Shak.
  4. To set above or before something else in estimation, favor, or liking; to regard or honor before another; to hold in greater favor; to choose rather; -- often followed by to, before, or above.
    If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. Ps. cxxxvii. 6.
    Preferred an infamous peace before a most just war. Knolles.
    Syn. -- To choose; elect. See Choose.

Webster 1913