How to Pronounce Preferred

To pronounce "preferred", say PREF-err-ed — 3 syllables, IPA /pɹɪˈfɜːd/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

preferred

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

/pɹɪˈfɜːd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “preferred”

"preferred" has 3 syllables: pref-err-ed. It rhymes with absurd and spurred, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: prefered — easy to mix up when writing.

What does preferred 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).

noun

Preferred stock.

adjective

Favoured

Synonyms

forechoose

Antonyms

disprefer antipreferred

Hear “preferred” 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 preferred

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

absurd spurred stirred conferred interred nerd demurred purred deferred inferred concurred word

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "preferred"?▾

"Preferred" has 3 syllables: pref · err · ed.

What is the IPA transcription of "preferred"?▾

The IPA transcription of "preferred" is /pɹɪˈfɜːd/.

What does "preferred" mean?▾

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

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