How to Pronounce Prefer

To pronounce "prefer", say PREF-er — 2 syllables, IPA /pɹɪˈfɜː/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

prefer

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/pɹɪˈfɜː/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “prefer”

"prefer" has 2 syllables: pref-er. It rhymes with infer and concur, if that helps it stick.

What does prefer mean?

verb

To be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else; to favor; to like better.
“I prefer tea to coffee.”
To advance, promote (someone or something).

Synonyms

forechoose

Antonyms

disprefer

Hear “prefer” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with prefer

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

infer concur stir defer incur transfer slur spur demur cur burr connoisseur

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "prefer"?▾

"Prefer" has 2 syllables: pref · er.

What is the IPA transcription of "prefer"?▾

The IPA transcription of "prefer" is /pɹɪˈfɜː/.

What does "prefer" mean?▾

Prefer: To be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else; to favor; to like better.

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