Preferr vs. Prefer — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 25, 2024
"Preferr" is an incorrect spelling. "Prefer" is the correct form, meaning to like one option better than another.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Preferr or Prefer
How to spell Prefer?
Preferr
Incorrect Spelling
Prefer
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Use a mnemonic: "I prefer a single 'r' over two."
Recall: "When comparing, I prefer the simpler spelling."
Consider "I prefer tea" – it's simpler with one "r".
Remember it's "prefer" with a single "r" at the end, much like "refer" has a single "r".
Think of the word "perfect"; it starts with "perf", just like "prefer".
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How Do You Spell Prefer Correctly?
Incorrect: Would you preferr Italian or Chinese food?
Correct: Would you prefer Italian or Chinese food?
Incorrect: I preferr coffee over tea in the mornings.
Correct: I prefer coffee over tea in the mornings.
Incorrect: She would preferr to stay home tonight.
Correct: She would prefer to stay home tonight.
Incorrect: They preferr not to discuss their plans.
Correct: They prefer not to discuss their plans.
Prefer Definitions
Prefer can indicate giving priority or precedence.
I prefer to finish work before relaxing.
Prefer in law means to make a formal accusation.
The prosecution prefers charges against the defendant.
Prefer means to like or desire one thing more than another.
She prefers coffee to tea.
Like (one thing or person) better than another or others; tend to choose
Val would presumably prefer that you didn't get arrested
I prefer Venice to Rome
I would prefer to discuss the matter in private
Submit (a charge or a piece of information) for consideration
The police will prefer charges
Promote or advance (someone) to a prestigious position
He was eventually preferred to the bishopric of Durham
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 denotes expressing a choice or favoring an option.
Given the options, I'd prefer the blue one.
Prefer can mean recommending or suggesting.
The doctor prefers rest for recovery.
Prefer Meaning in a Sentence
Many people prefer using digital maps over traditional paper ones.
Some students prefer online learning to classroom settings.
Cats might prefer sleeping in warm, sunny spots throughout the house.
They prefer walking to work instead of driving.
Parents might prefer educational toys for their children.
Many tourists prefer visiting historical sites when traveling.
Do you prefer summer or winter?
I prefer the blue shirt rather than the red one.
I would prefer to go to the beach instead of the pool.
I prefer reading fiction books to non-fiction.
I prefer using a laptop over a desktop for work.
Do you prefer shopping online or in-store?
Would you prefer a window or an aisle seat?
Many children prefer animated movies to live-action films.
I prefer quiet places when I need to concentrate.
They prefer biking to work to reduce their carbon footprint.
Do you prefer tea or coffee in the morning?
Some people prefer cold weather because they like skiing and snowboarding.
She prefers drawing with pencils to painting with brushes.
Prefer Idioms & Phrases
Would prefer not to
Polite expression used when you do not want to do something.
I would prefer not to discuss my finances.
Prefer A to B
To like A more than B.
I prefer summer to winter because I love the beach.
As you prefer
According to what you like or choose.
We can leave now or later, as you prefer.
If you prefer
Used to suggest an alternative action according to someone's preference.
We can watch a movie at home, if you prefer.
Prefer doing to doing
Expressing a preference for one activity over another.
I prefer reading to watching TV.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of Prefer?
"Prefer" is pronounced as /prɪˈfɜr/.
What is the root word of Prefer?
The root is Latin "praeferre".
Why is it called Prefer?
The term "prefer" comes from Latin "praeferre", meaning "put before".
Which vowel is used before Prefer?
The letter "e" is the vowel before "prefer".
Which conjunction is used with Prefer?
Any conjunction can be used with "prefer", depending on the sentence; e.g., "and", "but", "or".
Is Prefer a noun or adjective?
"Prefer" is a verb.
What is the verb form of Prefer?
"Prefer" itself is a verb.
Is Prefer a negative or positive word?
"Prefer" is neutral.
What is the singular form of Prefer?
"Prefer" is singular.
What is the plural form of Prefer?
Verbs don't have plurals in English. The noun form, preferences, does.
Which preposition is used with Prefer?
Prepositions like "to" or "over" can be used with "prefer".
Is Prefer an adverb?
No, "prefer" is not an adverb.
Is Prefer an abstract noun?
No, "prefer" is a verb.
Is Prefer a vowel or consonant?
"Prefer" is a word, not a single letter. It contains both vowels and consonants.
Is Prefer a collective noun?
No, "prefer" is not a collective noun.
Is the Prefer term a metaphor?
"Prefer" can be used metaphorically in phrases like "prefer the shadows", meaning to stay hidden.
What part of speech is Prefer?
"Prefer" is a verb.
What is another term for Prefer?
Another term for "prefer" could be "favor" or "choose".
Which determiner is used with Prefer?
Determiners like "to" or "over" can be used with "prefer" depending on the context.
Is the word “Prefer” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Prefer" is a verb and can have a direct object, as in "I prefer apples."
How many syllables are in Prefer?
"Prefer" has two syllables.
Is Prefer a countable noun?
"Prefer" is a verb, so it's not countable.
How do we divide Prefer into syllables?
Pre-fer.
What is the opposite of Prefer?
The opposite could be "dislike" or "avoid".
Is the word Prefer is imperative?
Yes, as in "Prefer this over that!"
Is the word Prefer is Gerund?
The gerund form of "prefer" is "preferring".
What is a stressed syllable in Prefer?
The second syllable "fer" is stressed in "prefer".
What is the third form of Prefer?
The third form (past participle) is "preferred".
Which article is used with Prefer?
The article "to" can be used with "prefer" in sentences like "I prefer tea to coffee".
What is the first form of Prefer?
The first form (base form) is "prefer".
What is the second form of Prefer?
The second form (past tense) is "preferred".
How is Prefer used in a sentence?
"Given the choices, I'd prefer vanilla over chocolate."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
