prefer
gb/pɹɪfˈɚ/ us/pɹɪfˈɚ/
A2
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Like one choice more
To like one thing more than another, or to want one thing instead of another.
Usage pattern:
to prefer [something] to [something else]
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'.
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.)
Collocations
prefer to do
|prefer something over
|would prefer
|personally prefer
|prefer coffee to tea
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|decision-making
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I prefer coffee to tea in the morning.
- Most children prefer playing outside to watching TV.
- 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.
- She prefers to read books.
- We prefer summer to winter.
- He prefers walking to driving.
- They prefer cats to dogs.
Verb
formal
B2
action
2
Give priority to
To give someone or something more importance than others.
Usage pattern:
to prefer [someone/something] over [others]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this meaning in casual conversation, where the neutral 'like better' sense is intended.
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.)
Collocations
prefer charges
|prefer a claim
|prefer a candidate
|prefer one group over another
Themes
business
|law
|decision-making
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The policy prefers local suppliers over foreign ones.
- The company prefers experienced candidates for this role.
- 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.
- This shop prefers cash payments.
- The boss prefers workers with experience.
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.