ENGLISH
REFERENCE

preferable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɹɛfɝəbəɫ// UK //pɹɪfˈɜːɹəbəl// prefer·able

adj. better or more desirable than another option. You use it when you have to choose between two things and one is clearly the better choice.

adj. more desirable or suitable than the alternatives. Often used in comparative structures to indicate a superior option in a given context.


SIMPLE

A quiet room is preferable for studying.

CONTEXTUAL

While both hotels are nice, the one closer to the beach is preferable for our summer holiday.

COMPLEX

In many professional environments, a direct and honest approach is preferable to a polite but vague response that leaves colleagues uncertain about the actual status of a project.

Synonyms
Origin

From prefer + -able, probably after Middle French preferable. Compare preference, preferential, etc.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'to' when making a direct comparison; rarely used with 'than'.

Pitfall

This option is preferable than that oneThis option is preferable to that onePreferable is followed by the preposition 'to' rather than the comparative conjunction 'than'.

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