Word
preferably
Phoneticsprefer·ably
US/ˈpɹɛfɝəbɫi/
UK/pɹˈɛfɹəblˌi/
Sentence adverb
Definition
adv. used to say what you would like best if you have a choice. It shows your first or ideal option.
adv. indicates a preference for one option over others; ideally. Used to specify a desired condition or choice within a range of possibilities.
Examples
“I would like a window seat, preferably on the left side.”
“The company is looking for a new manager with five years of experience, preferably in the tech industry.”
“Applicants should submit their portfolios in a digital format, preferably as a single compressed file to ensure all assets remain together during the review process.”
Examples
simple
“I would like a window seat, preferably on the left side.”
contextual
“The company is looking for a new manager with five years of experience, preferably in the tech industry.”
complex
“Applicants should submit their portfolios in a digital format, preferably as a single compressed file to ensure all assets remain together during the review process.”
Usage
Often functions as a sentence adverb or a disjunct, typically set off by commas or placed at the end of a clause to modify the entire proposition.
Real-World Examples
“Perhaps the surest way of ensuring success is to gauge the opinions of others – and preferably the people who might be interested in your product or service.” “To get the most out of your Wave, you’re going to need a gooseneck kettle—preferably one with temperature control —and a 0.1-gram-accurate scale for weighing coffee and water.” Etymology
From preferable + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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