prefer

Would rather have

To prefer something is to like it better than alternatives: I prefer tea to coffee, She prefers working from home.

The word implies choice between options rather than absolute judgment.

Prefer can soften requests into polite suggestions: I'd prefer not to discuss it.

The formal construction prefer that takes subjunctive: I prefer that he leave.

choose

select

Carefully pick from options

optSelect by preference
pickPointed breaking tool
electChoose by vote

decide · favor · want · desire · wish · lean · tend · incline · gravitate · choose

inclination

tendency

Inclination toward a behavior

predispositionInnate tendency toward something
proclivityInherent tendency toward something
propensityInnate behavioral inclination

penchant · affinity · leaning · bent · predilection · partiality · fondness · liking · taste · druthers

bias

favoritism

Preferential treatment of some

partialityUnfair favor toward some
prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
nepotismPreferring kin in hiring

cronyism · discrimination · unfairness · inequity · partisanship · privilege · favor · one-sidedness

advocate

recommend

Suggest with approval

endorseGive official approval
supportTo uphold or sustain
championTop competitor, or advocate

favor · back · vouch for · promote · encourage · suggest · urge · advise · stand by · tout

selective

choosy

Overly particular about preferences

pickyExcessively selective or particular
particularSpecific or fussy
discriminatingShowing careful judgment

fastidious · fussy · finicky · exacting · demanding · discerning · persnickety · meticulous · judicious · selective

Categories

preferenceslikes, like, liking, favor, fondness
fondnessaffection, liking, fondness, tenderness, caring
wantingwant, desire, crave, yearn, long
stative verbsbe, am, is, are, was
action verbsrun, jump, chase, grab, climb
mental verbsthink, believe, know, imagine, remember

Opposites

positive vs. negative attitude

preferreject

Dismiss as unsuitable

dislike · hate · refuse · detest · loathe

ranking/priority

preferdemote

Lower someone's position

deprioritize · discard · degrade · relegate · set aside

Phrases

preferential treatmentAdvantages given selectively
regional preferencesTastes varying by location
food preferencesLiked and disliked cuisines
preferred nameSelf-selected form of address
preferred pronounsSelf-specified gender terms
sexual preferenceWho one desires romantically

Family

preference, preferred, preferable, prefers, preferably, preferences, preferring, preferential, preferment

Familiarity: Top 5,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G