prefers

3 definitions • 10 examples

to like, choose, or want one thing rather than another:

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.

to accuse someone officially:

The police have decided not to prefer charges against them because of insufficient evidence.

to choose or want one thing rather than another:

[ 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?