What does preferred mean?
Preferred describes the option regarded as the best, most desirable, or most suitable among several possibilities. It is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, as in a preferred candidate, preferred method, or preferred supplier. The related verb prefer means to favor one choice over another, while preferably indicates that a course of action is done in preference to another. These forms are especially useful when comparing alternatives, making arrangements, or expressing a standing preference. The word carries a neutral, generally positive connotation: it indicates that a choice has been selected or is considered advantageous, without necessarily implying that every other option is unacceptable. Although preferred is sometimes confused with preferable, the distinction is straightforward: preferable describes what might be chosen, whereas preferred describes what has been chosen or is favored.
Regarded as the best, most desirable, or most suitable among several alternatives.
"The company is seeking a preferred supplier for its European operations."
Commonly used before nouns such as choice, method, candidate, and option.
To like or favor one thing more than another.
"I prefer tea to coffee in the afternoon."
In standard usage, prefer is followed by a noun or gerund and then than, as in prefer walking to driving.
In a way that expresses a choice or preference for one option over another.
"Visitors should preferably book their tickets several months in advance."
Preferably is the usual adverb form and is common in both formal and informal English.
Preferred comes from a Latin root meaning “to carry forward,” originally suggesting choosing one thing to place before another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preferred come from?
The word comes from Latin praeferre, formed from prae-, meaning “before” or “in front,” and ferre, meaning “to carry.” The original sense was to place or bring something forward, which developed into the sense of choosing one thing in preference to another. English borrowed the word through French préférer during the early modern period, with the past participle preferred later becoming established as the adjective meaning “favored” or “chosen.” Related English forms include prefer, preference, and preferable.
Related word forms
How preferred is actually used
Preferred is common in formal and informal English. The spelling is the same in British and American English, although the pronunciation of the final syllable varies. As a verb, prefer is usually followed by an object and a comparative construction with than, rather than a word such as more.
Easily confused with preferred
Preferable describes something that is considered better than another option, while preferred describes the option that has actually been selected or favored.