prefer
gb/pɹɪfˈɚ/ us/pɹɪfˈɚ/
A2
English
~ 1500
jobban szeret, előnyben részesít
VERB
A2
1
Usage pattern:
to prefer [something] to [something else]
I prefer coffee to tea in the morning.
Reggel jobban szeretem a kávét, mint a teát.
Most children prefer playing outside to watching TV.
A legtöbb gyerek jobban szeret kint játszani, mint tévét nézni.
She prefers to work alone rather than in a team.
They prefer this brand because it lasts longer.
I would prefer to stay home tonight.
Learner examples
I prefer pizza to pasta.
Jobban szeretem a pizzát, mint a tésztát.
She prefers to read books.
Jobban szeret könyveket olvasni.
We prefer summer to winter.
He prefers walking to driving.
They prefer cats to dogs.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'prefer' with 'rather' or 'would rather'. 'Prefer' is followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb in the -ing form, not an infinitive without 'to'.
Meaning
Like one choice more
Collocations
prefer to do
|prefer something over
|would prefer
|personally prefer
|prefer coffee to tea
Synonyms
favor (Slightly more formal; often used in professional or political contexts.)
|
like better (More informal and conversational in tone.)
Antonyms
dislike (General opposite; means to not like something.)
|
reject (Focuses on actively choosing against an option rather than just liking it less.)
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|decision-making
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To like one thing more than another, or to want one thing instead of another.
To choose or want one thing or person more than another because it is more desirable or suitable.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
to prefer [someone/something] over [others]
The policy prefers local suppliers over foreign ones.
A szabályzat előnyben részesíti a helyi beszállítókat a külföldiekkel szemben.
The company prefers experienced candidates for this role.
A vállalat előnyben részesíti a tapasztalt jelölteket erre a pozícióra.
Some schools prefer students with strong community service records.
In this court, local cases are preferred over international disputes.
Learner examples
The teacher prefers hard-working students.
A tanár előnyben részesíti a szorgalmas diákokat.
This shop prefers cash payments.
Ez az üzlet előnyben részesíti a készpénzes fizetést.
The boss prefers workers with experience.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this meaning in casual conversation, where the neutral 'like better' sense is intended.
Meaning
Give priority to
Collocations
prefer charges
|prefer a claim
|prefer a candidate
|prefer one group over another
Synonyms
prioritize (Focuses on arranging tasks or people in order of importance.)
|
favor (Often used when showing preference in decisions or treatment.)
Antonyms
overlook (To fail to notice or give importance.)
|
neglect (To fail to give needed care or attention.)
Themes
business
|law
|decision-making
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To give someone or something more importance than others.
To treat someone or something as more important or deserving than others, often in an official or formal context.
Grammar
Dictionary form
prefer
IPA
GB/pɹɪfˈɚ/
US/pɹɪfˈɚ/
Syllables & stress
prefer (1 syllable)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: prefer
- 3rd Person Singular: prefers
- Present Participle: preferring
- Past: preferred
Word family
Forms
prefers
verb
preferring
verb
preferred
verb
Core family
Advanced or less common
preferential
adjective
preferentially
adverb
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: preferring Verb
- Irregular past: preferred Verb
Expressions
prefer not to
1/pɹɪfˈɚ nˈɑt tə/
fixed phrase
Choose not to do something
To politely say you do not want to do something.
Examples
- I prefer not to talk about politics.
- He prefers not to drive at night.
would prefer (to)
1/wˈʊd pɹɪfˈɚ tə/
fixed phrase
Polite choice expression
A polite way to say what you want more in a particular situation.
Examples
- I would prefer to sit by the window, please.
- She would prefer staying home tonight.