Etymology : Middle English preferren, from Middle French preferer, from Latin praeferre to put before, prefer, from prae- + ferre to carry; more at BEAR
Pronunciation : pri-f&r
Function : transitive verb
Date : 14th century
1. hold superior; appoint, nominate; like better; promote, advance; bring before (a judge, governor, etc.). preferyou can click anywhere, but just don't click here.prefer \pre*fer"\ , v. t. [imp. & p. p. preferred ; p. pr. & vb. n. preferring.] [f. préférer, l. praeferre; prae before + ferre to bear or carry. see:
1st bear.].
2. 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. presently prefer his suit to c?sar. three tongues prefer strange orisons on high.
3. to go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass. [obs.] "though maidenhood prefer bigamy.".
4. 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.
5. 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. cxxxvii.
6. preferred an infamous peace before a most just war.
7. To carry or bring 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.
8. To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass.
9. 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.
10. 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. like better; value more highly; "Some people prefer camping to staying in hotels"; "We prefer sleeping outside" promote over another; "he favors his second daughter" give preference to one creditor over another.
11. If you prefer someone or something, you like that person or thing better than another, and so you are more likely to choose them if there is a choice. Does he prefer a particular sort of music? I became a teacher because I preferred books and people to politics I prefer to go on self-catering holidays I would prefer him to be with us next season Bob prefers making original pieces rather than reproductions The woodwork's green now. I preferred it blue Her own preferred methods of exercise are hiking and long cycle rides.