Cool MatePrefer
UK /["/prɪˈfɜː(r)/","/prɪˈfɜːz/","/prɪˈfɜːd/","/prɪˈfɜːrɪŋ/"]/US /["/prɪˈfɜːr/","/prɪˈfɜːrz/","/prɪˈfɜːrd/","/prɪˈfɜːrɪŋ/"]/
Definition
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
Examples
- 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.
Usage notes
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.
Collocations
- greatly
- much
- overwhelmingly
- would
- tend to
- appear to
- over
- to
Synonyms
- favor
- choose
- select
- preferentially
- lean towards
Antonyms
- dislike
- detest
- abhor
Common mistakes
- 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.