Prefer vs. Perfer — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 29, 2024
"Prefer" is the correct spelling denoting a greater liking for one alternative over another, while "perfer" is an incorrect variation. The term prefer generally means to favor or choose one thing over another.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Prefer or Perfer
How to spell Prefer?
Prefer
Correct Spelling
Perfer
Incorrect Spelling
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Key Differences
"Prefer" starts with "pre-" like "previous" or "preview," indicating a choice made before others.
Think of "preference" to recall the correct "prefer" spelling.
Visualize "I PREFER this" to emphasize the starting “pre”.
Remember that the word has two 'r's, with the second one before the 'f'.
Double the "r" to differentiate from the incorrect "perfer."
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How Do You Spell Perfer Correctly?
Incorrect: We perfer vacationing in the mountains rather than the beach.
Correct: We prefer vacationing in the mountains rather than the beach.
Incorrect: I always prefer tea over coffee in the morning.
Correct: I always prefer tea over coffee in the morning.
Incorrect: She would perfer to stay at home rather than go out tonight.
Correct: She would prefer to stay at home rather than go out tonight.
Incorrect: They perfer using public transport to reduce their carbon footprint.
Correct: They prefer using public transport to reduce their carbon footprint.
Prefer Definitions
To like or desire one thing over another.
She prefers tea to coffee.
To select or choose by favoring.
I prefer this brand over that one.
To give priority or precedence to.
Judges prefer evidence over hearsay.
To set or hold before or above other considerations.
He prefers duty over leisure.
An inclination or tendency to favor one thing.
Given a choice, I always prefer the window seat.
To choose or be in the habit of choosing as more desirable or as having more value
Prefers coffee to tea.
To give priority or precedence to (a creditor).
To present (a charge) against a defendant before a court
Prefer an indictment.
To present (a case) to a court as ready for consideration
Prefer the case for trial.
(Archaic) To recommend for advancement or appointment; promote.
(transitive) To be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else; to favor; to like better.
I prefer tea to coffee.
I'd prefer it if you didn't do it.
To advance, promote (someone or something).
(transitive) To present or submit (something) to an authority (now usually in "to prefer charges").
To put forward for acceptance; to introduce, recommend (to).
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 Cæsar.
Three tongues prefer strange orisons on high.
To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass.
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.
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.
Preferred an infamous peace before a most just war.
Like better; value more highly;
Some people prefer camping to staying in hotels
We prefer sleeping outside
Select as an alternative; choose instead; prefer as an alternative;
I always choose the fish over the meat courses in this restaurant
She opted for the job on the East coast
Promote over another;
He favors his second daughter
Give preference to one creditor over another
Prefer Meaning in a Sentence
Some people prefer summer because they enjoy the warm weather.
We would prefer not to make any decisions without further information.
I prefer reading books to watching television.
Many students prefer online learning for its flexibility.
Parents might prefer educational toys for their children.
They prefer renting movies online rather than going to the cinema.
They prefer homemade meals over dining out.
Would you prefer to go out for dinner or order in?
Do you prefer tea or coffee in the morning?
Do you prefer working alone or in a team?
We prefer staying in boutique hotels when we travel.
Many people prefer to shop online for convenience.
We prefer spending our holidays exploring nature.
I prefer to receive news updates online rather than through traditional newspapers.
I prefer listening to music while I work.
I prefer a hot climate to a cold one.
They prefer cycling to work instead of driving.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of prefer?
Prefer is pronounced as /prɪˈfɜr/.
What is the verb form of prefer?
"Prefer" itself is a verb.
Which vowel is used before prefer?
Typically, the vowel "I" as in "I prefer" or "a" as in "a preferred method."
What is the singular form of prefer?
"Prefer" is already in its singular form.
Which conjunction is used with prefer?
Any conjunction can be used depending on sentence structure.
Why is it called prefer?
The word "prefer" derives from the Latin "praeferre," meaning "to set before."
What is the root word of prefer?
The root is the Latin word "praeferre."
What is the plural form of prefer?
Being a verb, "prefer" doesn't have a plural form.
Is prefer a collective noun?
No, "prefer" is not a collective noun.
Which article is used with prefer?
"A" or "the" can precede noun forms like "a preferred method" or "the preferred option."
Is prefer an adverb?
No, "prefer" is not an adverb.
Is prefer a vowel or consonant?
"Prefer" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is prefer a countable noun?
"Prefer" is not a noun.
Is the word prefer imperative?
It can be used in an imperative manner, e.g., "Prefer this one!"
Is the word prefer a gerund?
No, but "preferring" is its gerund form.
How many syllables are in prefer?
There are two syllables in "prefer."
Which determiner is used with prefer?
"This," "that," or "the" can be used, depending on context.
Which preposition is used with prefer?
"To" is commonly used, as in "prefer X to Y."
Is prefer a negative or positive word?
Neutral; the connotation depends on context.
Is the word “prefer” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Prefer" is a verb; it can have a direct object (e.g., I prefer chocolate).
What part of speech is prefer?
"Prefer" is a verb.
What is the opposite of prefer?
The opposite might be "dislike" or "avoid."
What is the first form of prefer?
The first form is "prefer."
Is prefer an abstract noun?
No, "prefer" is a verb.
How do we divide prefer into syllables?
Pre-fer.
What is the stressed syllable in prefer?
The second syllable, "fer," is stressed.
What is the second form of prefer?
The second form is "preferred."
What is the third form of prefer?
The third form is "preferred."
How is prefer used in a sentence?
"Given a choice between the two, I would prefer the red dress."
Is prefer a noun or adjective?
"Prefer" is primarily a verb.
Is the prefer term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but can be used metaphorically in some contexts.
What is another term for prefer?
Another term could be "favor" or "choose."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
