Preferably: meaning, definitions and examples

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preferably

 

[ หˆprษ›fษ™rษ™bli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a preferred or desirable manner

Preferably is used to indicate that one option is more desirable or preferable than others. It is often used when expressing a preference or choice.

Synonyms

ideally, optimally, rather, sooner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
preferably

Used when expressing a situation or condition that is more desirable.

  • Students should, preferably, submit their assignments a day early.
  • For this recipe, use fresh herbs, preferably basil.
ideally

Used when describing the best or most suitable situation or condition.

  • Ideally, the project should be completed by the end of the month.
  • He is ideally suited for the role.
optimally

Used to describe a situation where conditions are used to their best advantage.

  • The machine must be set up to run optimally.
  • For the system to work optimally, all components must be properly calibrated.
sooner

Used to indicate a preference for an earlier time, or to suggest that something should be done quickly. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if implying urgency or impatience.

  • I would sooner leave than wait for another hour.
  • Sooner or later, you will have to make a decision.
rather

Used to indicate a preference or alternative that is slightly different. Often used to soften statements.

  • I would rather stay home tonight.
  • She decided to take the bus rather than walk.

Examples of usage

  • I would preferably go for a walk in the park than watch TV.
  • Preferably, we should finish the project by the end of the week.
  • She would preferably have a cup of tea rather than coffee in the morning.
Context #2 | Adverb

according to what is likely or expected

Preferably can also be used to indicate what is likely or expected to happen in a given situation.

Synonyms

expectedly, likely, probably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
preferably

Use this word when expressing a preference for one option over another. It's often used to indicate the most desired choice from a set of alternatives.

  • You should go to the market in the morning, preferably before 8 AM
  • We need to finish this project quickly, preferably by the end of the week
expectedly

This word is used when something happens as anticipated or predicted. It emphasizes that the outcome aligns with what was foreseen.

  • Expectedly, the team finished the task just in time
  • Expectedly, the rainy season brought a lot of precipitation
likely

Use this word to indicate that something has a high probability of happening. It expresses a strong possibility.

  • It's likely to rain tomorrow
  • She is likely to get the promotion due to her hard work
probably

This word is used when expressing a moderate degree of certainty about an event or outcome. It falls between certainty and possibility.

  • I will probably go to the party
  • This software update will probably fix the bug

Examples of usage

  • Preferably, the meeting will start on time.
  • The package should arrive preferably by tomorrow.
  • He will preferably be at the conference by noon.

Translations

Translations of the word "preferably" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น preferencialmente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคงเคฟเคฎเคพเคจเคคเคƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช vorzugsweise

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sebaiknya

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐะถะฐะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ najlepiej

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใงใใ‚Œใฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท de prรฉfรฉrence

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ preferiblemente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tercihen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€๊ธ‰์ ์ด๋ฉด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠูุถู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nejlรฉpe

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ najlepลกie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœ€ๅฅฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ najraje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ helst

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐา›ัั‹ั€ะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒกแƒฃแƒ แƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รผstรผnlรผkle

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ preferentemente

Etymology

The word 'preferably' originated from the verb 'prefer,' which has its roots in Latin 'praeferre,' from 'prae-' (before) + 'ferre' (to carry, bear). It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, evolving to its current usage as an adverb indicating preference or likelihood.

See also: prefer, preference, preferences, preferred, preferring.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,471 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.