B2adjectiveformallanguagesociety
US/ˈpref.ər.ə.bəl/
UK/ˈpref.ər.ə.bəl/
better or more suitable than something else
In context
A short walk is preferable to sitting at a desk all day.
Asking for help is far preferable to making a mistake.
Many people find a quiet cafe preferable for studying.
Words that go with preferable
adjective + preposition
- preferable toCycling is preferable to driving in the city.
adverb + adjective
- far preferableHonesty is far preferable to a polite lie.
- much preferableThis option is much preferable to the last.
- clearly preferableThe second plan is clearly preferable.
- highly preferableExperience is highly preferable but not required.
adjective + noun
- preferable optionStaying home was the preferable option.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This is more preferable than that.Correct: This is preferable to that.
Incorrect:
It is preferable than to wait.Correct: It is preferable to wait.