26984 words

prefer

3 definitions • 10 examples
1
to like, choose, or want one thing rather than another:

Examples:

Do you prefer hot or cold weather?
I prefer red wine to white.
[ + -ing verb ] He prefers watching football to playing it.
[ + to infinitive ] I'd prefer not to discuss this issue.
formal I'd prefer you not to smoke (= I would like it better if you did not smoke), please.
2
to accuse someone officially:

Examples:

The police have decided not to prefer charges against them because of insufficient evidence.
3
to choose or want one thing rather than another:

Examples:

[ T ] We have tea and coffee, but perhaps you’d prefer a cold drink.
[ T ] He prefers watching baseball to playing it.
[ + that clause ] She prefers that we meet at the station.
[ + to infinitive ] Would you prefer to leave?

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