A1verb 1K

Prefer

🇬🇧 UK /["/prɪˈfɜː(r)/","/prɪˈfɜːz/","/prɪˈfɜːd/","/prɪˈfɜːrɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/prɪˈfɜːr/","/prɪˈfɜːrz/","/prɪˈfɜːrd/","/prɪˈfɜːrɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Prefer

to like one thing or person better than another; to choose one thing rather than something else because you like it better

In simple words: To like one thing more than another

Prefer in a sentence

• I prefer apples to oranges.
• Do you prefer tea or coffee?
• She prefers to read books at night.
• They prefer watching movies over going out.
• He prefers his coffee black, without sugar.

How to use Prefer

Use 'prefer' to express a choice between two options. It's suitable in both spoken and written contexts but is less common in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

prefer + object + to + object

Memory hint

Think of 'pre-fur' — you choose a favorite among soft furs, showing your preference.

Related words

Collocations with Prefer

• greatly
• much
• overwhelmingly
• would
• tend to
• appear to
• over
• to

Synonyms for Prefer

• favor
• choose
• select
• preferentially
• lean towards

Opposites of Prefer

• dislike
• detest
• abhor

Common mistakes with Prefer

• Confusing 'prefer' with 'like' — 'prefer' is stronger and implies a choice.
• Using 'prefer' without 'to' when comparing two things.
• Incorrectly placing the objects in the sentence structure.

Frequently asked questions about Prefer

What does Prefer mean?

To like one thing more than another

What is the definition of Prefer?

to like one thing or person better than another; to choose one thing rather than something else because you like it better

How do you use Prefer in a sentence?

I prefer apples to oranges.

Can you give another example of Prefer?

Do you prefer tea or coffee?

What are synonyms for Prefer?

Common alternatives include favor, choose, select, preferentially, lean towards.

What is the opposite of Prefer?

Opposite meanings include dislike, detest, abhor.

What words go with Prefer?

It commonly pairs with greatly, much, overwhelmingly, would, tend to, appear to, over, to.

What are common mistakes when using Prefer?

Confusing 'prefer' with 'like' — 'prefer' is stronger and implies a choice. Using 'prefer' without 'to' when comparing two things. Incorrectly placing the objects in the sentence structure.

How do you pronounce Prefer?

US: /["/prɪˈfɜːr/","/prɪˈfɜːrz/","/prɪˈfɜːrd/","/prɪˈfɜːrɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/prɪˈfɜː(r)/","/prɪˈfɜːz/","/prɪˈfɜːd/","/prɪˈfɜːrɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Prefer?

Use 'prefer' to express a choice between two options. It's suitable in both spoken and written contexts but is less common in very formal writing.

What CEFR level is Prefer?

"Prefer" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.