What does preferring mean?
Preferring is the present participle and gerund of the verb prefer, meaning to choose or favor one option over another. It is used when making a comparison, as in “preferring tea to coffee,” and can also introduce an action with “to,” as in “preferring to walk.” The word is standard in formal and informal contexts in both British and American English. Its basic sense is straightforward, but it can carry a mild sense of preference or judgment, especially when used to compare alternatives. The construction “prefer A to B” is especially common, while “prefer doing something” and “prefer to do something” express a preference between activities. Although often mistaken for a separate dictionary word, preferring is grammatically a form of prefer, and its use reflects the ordinary comparison and choice expressed by that verb.
verb (present participle and gerund)Preferring means choosing one thing over another because it is regarded as more desirable or suitable. It is the present participle and gerund form of prefer.
- Choosing one option over another because it is more desirable or suitable.
- Used in the construction “prefer something to something else” to compare two people, things, or options.
- Used with an infinitive, as in “prefer to do something,” to express a preferred course of action.
"She is preferring a quiet workspace to a noisy café."
"I am preferring tea to coffee this morning."
"Many readers are preferring shorter books that can be finished in a week."
The word preferring captures the quiet power of choice: even a small decision can reveal what a person values most.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preferring come from?
Prefer comes from the Latin praeferre, formed from prae- “before” and ferre “to carry, bring,” with the sense of bringing one thing before another. In English it developed through the Old French preferer. The related forms preference, preferable, and preferential come from the same Latin root and reflect the verb's meanings of choice, favor, or advantage.
Related word forms
How preferring is actually used
Preferring is commonly used with “to” before a noun or pronoun, or with a bare infinitive: “prefer walking to driving” and “prefer to walk.” It is standard in both British and American English.