Preferred: meaning, definitions and examples

👍
Add to dictionary

preferred

 

[ prɪˈfɜːrd ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

in a particular order

Liked, wanted, or chosen above all others.

Synonyms

chosen, desired, favorite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
preferred

Used when indicating a choice or option that is more appealing or suitable compared to others.

  • I have a preferred method for solving this problem.
  • Her preferred mode of transportation is the train.
favorite

Used to describe something or someone that is liked the most compared to others.

  • Pizza is my favorite food.
  • That movie is her all-time favorite.
chosen

Used when a selection has already been made. It often emphasizes the action of selecting.

  • He was the chosen candidate for the job.
  • They have chosen a beautiful location for their wedding.
desired

Used when referring to something that someone wants or wishes for. It has a stronger emotional connotation.

  • She has always desired to travel the world.
  • The desired outcome of the experiment was successfully achieved.

Examples of usage

  • He showed a preferred style of playing.
  • She had a preferred brand of clothing.
  • They chose the preferred option for the project.
Context #2 | Verb

to like better or best

To like better or best; to choose or favor above others.

Synonyms

choose, favor, opt for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
preferred

Used to indicate a more favored option or choice among others, often in a personal or subjective manner.

  • She preferred tea over coffee
  • This is my preferred way of doing things
favor

Indicates a preference for one option over others, often implying a level of support or bias. It can also be used to describe personal bias or influence.

  • The professor seems to favor students who participate more in class
  • We favor a proactive approach
choose

Typically used in situations where a decision is required between multiple options. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • Choose your words wisely
  • Did you choose a place for dinner?
opt for

Used when making a choice, often suggesting a thoughtful or deliberate decision between alternatives. It's commonly used in formal or written language.

  • She opted for the vegetarian option
  • He opted for a career in engineering rather than medicine

Examples of usage

  • He preferred to stay home rather than go out.
  • She prefers tea over coffee.
  • They preferred the blue car over the red one.

Translations

Translations of the word "preferred" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preferido

🇮🇳 पसंदीदा

🇩🇪 bevorzugt

🇮🇩 disukai

🇺🇦 улюблений

🇵🇱 preferowany

🇯🇵 好ましい (konomashii)

🇫🇷 préféré

🇪🇸 preferido

🇹🇷 tercih edilen

🇰🇷 선호되는 (seonho dwineun)

🇸🇦 مفضل (mufaḍal)

🇨🇿 preferovaný

🇸🇰 preferovaný

🇨🇳 首选的 (shǒuxuǎn de)

🇸🇮 prednostni

🇮🇸 preferaður

🇰🇿 қалаулы

🇬🇪 სასურველი (sasurvelebi)

🇦🇿 üstün tutulan

🇲🇽 preferido

Etymology

The word 'preferred' originated from the Middle English word 'preferren', which came from the Old French word 'preferer', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'praeferre', meaning 'to set before'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,402, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.