- to set or hold before or above other persons or things in estimation; like better; choose rather than: to prefer beef to chicken.
- to give priority, as to one creditor over another.
- to put forward or present (a statement, suit, charge, etc.) for consideration or sanction.
- to put forward or advance, as in rank or office; promote: to be preferred for advancement.
- to wish or feel inclined: For this stir-fry you can skip the cashews if you prefer.
- to like better or value more highly
- to give preference, esp to one creditor over others
- (esp of the police) to put (charges) before a court, judge, magistrate, etc, for consideration and judgment
- to advance in rank over another or others; promote
