easy
I prefer apples to bananas.
What does Prefer mean?
like one choice better.
Dictionary definition
To like one thing more than another.
Example sentences
Prefer in a sentence
medium
Many students prefer studying in a quiet place.
hard
The author may prefer short sentences to keep the tone direct.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice prefer in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Prefer
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does prefer mean?
Prefer means like one choice better.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses prefer correctly?
The correct sentence uses prefer in a way that matches its meaning.
Practice 3
Which word is closest in meaning to prefer?
Choose is close in meaning to prefer.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Prefer
Voice settings
Sounds like
prih · fur · strongest beat: fur
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordPrefer.
Partverb.
MeaningPrefer means like one choice better.
ExampleExample: I prefer apples to bananas.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- prih · fur
- Strongest beat
- fur
- Ending
- fur
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on fur.
Your turn
Say Prefer
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Nice work—you practiced prefer.
Synonyms
Words like Prefer
chooseUse for selecting one option.
favorUse for liking one option more.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice prefer synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "I prefer the blue notebook over the red one," then compare close word choices. Practice prefer synonyms.
Word family
Prefer word family
Base word
prefer
verb
prefers
Third-person singular form.
verb
prefered
Past-tense form.
verb
prefering
Present participle form.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Prefer
Hint for students
like one choice better.
Common mix-up
Prefer is not the same as dislike. Prefer means like one choice better.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: Many students prefer studying in a quiet place. Clue words: many, students, studying. Underline clue words that show why prefer fits instead of dislike. Now write one new sentence that shows prefer without using the word prefer. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show prefer?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Many students prefer studying in a quiet place." Why does prefer fit better than dislike?
Learning activities
Practice Prefer and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice PREFER” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice PREFER
Sentence Builder
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Spell Hive
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Context Clue Challenge
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