- (v.t.) To go before or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass.
- (v.t.) To set above or before something else in estimation, favor or liking; to regard or honor before another; to hold in greater favor; to choose rather; -- often followed by to, before or above.
- (v.t.) To cause to go before; hence, to advance before others, as to an office or dignity; to raise; to exalt; to promote; as, to prefer an officer to the rank of general.
- (v.t.) To carry or bring (something) forward or before one; hence, to bring for consideration, acceptance, judgment, etc.; to offer; to present; to proffer; to address; -- said especially of a request, prayer, petition, claim, charge, etc.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). prefer. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/prefer/definitions/2048559 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "prefer" http://smartdefine.org/prefer/definitions/2048559 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, prefer, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/prefer/definitions/2048559>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "prefer" 27 May 2011. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/prefer/definitions/2048559> |