prefer
/prɪˈfɜːr/·프리퍼·verb
to like better
LatinCEFR A2
Root
pre- (before) + Latin 'ferre' (to carry, bear)
Latin praeferre (carry/place before) → Old French preferer → English prefer
In a word
pre- (before) + fer (bear) = 'bear one thing in front of others'. The Latin praeferre is literally "place before". Preferring isn't a feeling — it's the act of putting one option in front of you. "I prefer tea" reads, by root: "I'm pulling tea forward."
Examples
I prefer tea to coffee.
She prefers to walk home.
Most people prefer cash payments here.
Related
transferrefersufferinferpreference