prefer

 
Pronunciation: /prɪˈfəː/

verb (prefers, preferring, preferred)

[with object]
  • 1like (one thing or person) better than another or others; tend to choose: I prefer Venice to Rome [with infinitive]: I would prefer to discuss the matter in private [with clause]: Val would presumably prefer that you didn’t get arrested
  • 2 formal submit (a charge or a piece of information) for consideration: the police will prefer charges
  • 3 archaic promote or advance (someone) to a prestigious position: he was eventually preferred to the bishopric of Durham

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French preferer, from Latin praeferre, from prae 'before' + ferre 'to bear, carry'

Spelling rule

If a verb ends with a single vowel plus a consonant, and the stress is at the end of the word (as in refer), double the last letter when adding -ing or -ed: (prefers, preferring, preferred).