What does "prefer" mean?

1. (to like better) to like one thing or person more than another. 2. (to present charges) to officially bring a legal charge or complaint against someone.

How do you use "prefer"?

When followed by another verb, use the '-ing' form or a 'to-infinitive'. Almost exclusively used in the collocation 'to prefer charges'.

Is it correct to say "I prefer coffee than tea."?

No — say "I prefer coffee to tea.". When comparing two things with 'prefer', use the preposition 'to', not 'than'.

prefer

US //pɹəˈfɝ// UK //pɹɪfˈɜː// pre·fer

1 to like better (v.)
A1 Beginner

to like one thing or person more than another.

to favor one person or thing over another; to hold in higher estimation.

Example

I usually prefer tea to coffee in the morning because it is lighter.

Example

Most consumers in the survey indicated that they prefer organic produce to conventional alternatives, despite the significant price difference.

Usage

When followed by another verb, use the '-ing' form or a 'to-infinitive'.
- favor
- choose
- dislike
- reject
Pitfall

I prefer coffee than tea.

I prefer coffee to tea.

When comparing two things with 'prefer', use the preposition 'to', not 'than'.
2 to present charges (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

to officially bring a legal charge or complaint against someone.

to present or submit a formal statement or accusation to an authority for consideration.

Example

The police decided to prefer charges against the driver after the accident.

Example

The prosecutor must decide whether there is sufficient evidence to prefer formal charges against the suspect before the hearing begins.

Usage

Almost exclusively used in the collocation 'to prefer charges'.

Teacher's tip

This is a highly specialized legal use; in everyday conversation, people usually say 'press charges'.
- drop
- withdraw

Origin

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.