preferably
adverbattested in dialogue
- //ˈpɹɛf.ɹəˌbli//
- //pɹəˈfɜː.ɹəˌbli//
In preference; by choice; in a preferable manner.
adverb
- 1
In preference; by choice; in a preferable manner.
The nondegerming system grinds corn, preferably white dent corn, into meal with little, if any, separation of germ.
He felt having a Micronesian navigator meant he needed a pureblooded Polynesian, preferably a Hawaiian, as captain.
Etymology
Etymology tree English preferable Proto-Indo-European *leyg-der. Proto-Germanic *līkąder. Proto-Germanic *-līkaz Proto-Germanic *-ê Proto-Germanic *-līkê Proto-West Germanic *-līkē Old English -līċe Middle English -ly English -ly English preferably From preferable + -ly.
Forms
- comparative
- more preferably
- superlative
- most preferably
prediction · A statement of what will happen in the future.prefect · The head of a department in France.prefer · To be in the habit of choosing something rather than…
preferably · In preference; by choice; in a preferable manner.
preference · The selection of one thing or person over others (with the…preferred · favouredpregnancy · The condition of being pregnant; an instance of this.