Prefer is a transitive verb meaning to choose one option over another, or to incline toward a particular person or thing. In everyday use, it often appears with than or to introduce alternatives (I prefer tea to coffee). The word carries a slightly formal or analytical tone and frequently appears in opinion or decision-making contexts.
US: rhotic /r/ is pronounced; first vowel is often /ɛ/ as in 'bet' but can verge toward /ə/. UK: non-rhotic; final /r/ often silent; first vowel tends to /ɛ/; weaker second syllable. AU: similar to UK with slightly broader vowels and similar non-rhoticity in casual speech. IPA references: US /ˈprɛfər/ or /ˈprəbər/; UK /ˈprɛfə/; AU /ˈprɛfə/.
"I prefer walking to taking the bus on sunny days."
"She prefers classical music, but she’ll attend pop concerts sometimes."
"If you’ll excuse me, I’d prefer to finish this first."
"Many students prefer structured guidance over open-ended exploration."
Prefer originates from the Latin praeferre, composed of prae- meaning 'before' and ferre meaning 'to carry, to bear.' The sense evolved from 'to carry before' or 'to carry in front'—hence to prefer one thing over another, to place it before in choice or esteem. The Latin form entered Old French as preferer and, later, Middle English, retaining the sense of placing a preference or priority upon an option. The modern verb in English is primarily used with objects that follow it (prefer X to Y), and it broadened to include the idea of leaning toward a particular course, person, or outcome. First known uses in English date from the 15th century, with continued usage in philosophical, legal, and literary contexts, where debate often centers on preferred outcomes or principles. Over time, the nuance expanded to everyday decision-making, enabling both formal and informal expressions of preference across varieties of English.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Prefer" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Prefer" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Prefer"
-fer sounds
-ver sounds
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Pronounce as /ˈprɛfər/ in US and UK. The first syllable has primary stress, with a short e as in ‘bed,’ followed by a schwa in the second syllable, and a final rhotic or non-rhotic vowel depending on accent. In US, the r is pronounced; in non-rhotic UK varieties, the r at the end is often silent, giving /ˈprɛfə/. Practice by saying 'prep' quickly then add an 'er' quick, but not too strong. IPA: US /ˈprəfər/ or /ˈprɛfər/, UK /ˈprɛfə/, AU /ˈprɛfə/ with slight vowel adjustments.
Common errors include turning the first syllable into a full 'pre-wer' by misplacing stress, or producing a long 'er' in the second syllable. Another frequent slip is reducing the second syllable too much, making it 'pref' or 'pref-uh.' Correct these by maintaining two syllables with clear schwa or reduced vowel in the second syllable and keeping primary stress on the first: /ˈprɛ-fər/ (US) or /ˈprɛ-fə/ (UK).
US: clear rhotic /r/ in the second syllable; first vowel often near /ɛ/ as in 'bed.' UK: non-rhotic; final /r/ often silent, vowel quality tends toward /ə/ or /ə/ with lighter 'e' sound; AU: similar to UK but with broader vowels; stress remains on the first syllable. Listen for the subtle vowel quality in the first syllable and whether the final /r/ is pronounced or dropped.
The difficulty comes from two points: a tense, cric formal onset consonant blend /pr/ followed by a short lax vowel in the first syllable, and a reduced second syllable that may or may not include a pronounced /r/ depending on accent. The contrast between /ɛ/ and /ə/ in quick speech can be tricky, and the dash between two syllables requires precise timing. IPA anchors: /ˈprɛfər/ (rhotic) vs /ˈprɛfə/ (non-rhotic).
Yes: Why does the second syllable often become a reduced schwa, and how does this affect intelligibility in rapid speech? In many contexts, native speakers compress the second syllable to a quick 'fur' or 'fə', affecting clarity if the first syllable isn’t strongly stressed. Maintaining clarity involves keeping a crisp /f/ onset and a controlled schwa or /ə/ in the second syllable, especially in careful speech.
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