DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
Pre·fer v. t. [imp. & p. p. Preferred p. pr. & vb. n. Preferring.]
1. 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.
He spake, and to her hand preferred the bowl. --Pope.
Presently prefer his suit to Cæsar. --Shak.
Three tongues prefer strange orisons on high. --Byron.
2. To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass. [Obs.] “Though maidenhood prefer bigamy.”
3. 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.
I would prefer him to a better place. --Shak.
4. 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.
If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. --Ps. cxxxvii. 6.
Preferred an infamous peace before a most just war. --Knolles.
Preferred stock, stock which takes a dividend before other capital stock; -- called also preference stock and preferential stock.
Syn: -- To choose; elect. See Choose.
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prefer
v 1: like better; value more highly; "Some people prefer camping
to staying in hotels"; "We prefer sleeping outside"
2: select as an alternative; choose instead; prefer as an
alternative; "I always choose the fish over the meat
courses in this restaurant"; "She opted for the job on the
East coast" [syn: choose, opt]
3: promote over another; "he favors his second daughter" [syn:
favor, favour]
4: give preference to one creditor over another
[also: preferring, preferred]