prefer

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To like one thing or person more than another.

   I prefer tea to coffee.

2. 2
   verb

   To choose one option over another.

   She would prefer to walk rather than take the bus.

3. 3
   verb

   To formally bring forward an accusation against someone.

   The police decided to prefer charges against the suspect.

From Middle English preferren, from Anglo-Norman preferer, from Latin praeferō. Displaced native Old English foresettan and foreberan. Doublet of prelate. See also infer, relate and refer, delate and defer, as well as collate and confer among others.

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