Preferred vs Prefered: Difference and Comparison

Which is the correct spelling between “preferred” vs “prefered”?

Well, both words can be pronounced in the same way but their spelling is different. By omitting one letter when spelling an English word or misplacing the letters will spell an incorrect word.

It may not be noticed by a reader, but by reading each word thoroughly, it’s easy to identify misspelt words.

Preferred and prefered may appear almost identical in spelling, the difference between these is the letter “r” in the spelling. The correct word is preferred, spelt with a double letter “r”.

Preferred is the simple past tense and past participle of the verb “prefer”, while prefered is the common misspelling of preferred.

This is how you spell the correct word P-R-E-F-E-R-R-E-D. So, stay with us as we discuss more the correct spelling of the verb “preferred” and its meaning.

Preferred vs Prefered

Is Preferred the Correct Spelling?

Preferred is a recognized English word used when writing to convey meaning.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the verb “preferred” is the simple past tense and past participle of “prefer”. As a transitive verb, the term “prefer” means to advance, promote or be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else.

As an adjective, the word “preferred” means favoured. Preferred is the correct spelling, spelt with a double letter “r”.

We make life choices that we consider suitable to fit our style. When open to options, we make the best choice to suit our comfort or style.

Prefer is a word we often use when making a decision. For example, you can explain to the salesperson at the supermarket the model, colour, or style of items you want to purchase.

Prefer is the word often used when presented with a variety of options.

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Preferred vs Prefered: How to Spell Preferred

Some English words are often misspelt either by omitting and adding extra letters or by misplacing the letters. Spelling the verb “preferred” is likely not difficult.

However, spelling it correctly, with each letter orderly arranged may be difficult for some people. The confusion is with the letter “r”.

The correct spelling of the simple past tense and past participle of “prefer” is preferred. It’s a nine-letter word spelt P- R-E-F-E-R-R-E-D.

The correct spelling of the verb contains a double letter “r”.

Etymology

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the verb “preferred” was first used in 1748. The root word “prefer” is from Middle English “preferren” from Anglo-French “preferrer”- from Latin “praeferre”, which means “to put before, prefer”.

Is Prefered the Correct Spelling?

Prefered spelt with one letter “r” is the common misspelling of the verb “preferred”.

There are reasons why this word may be misspelt by some people. Misspelling English words may occur if someone is learning the language as a second language.

A long absence from school can also lead to the misspelling of some English words, such as preferred.

Most people also misspell a few English words out of assumption, especially when writing on a piece of paper. It can be difficult to spot misspelt words when they are written on a piece of paper.

It’s easier to spot misspelt words when you are typing on a computer or with any other writing tools. Misspelt and unrecognized words typed into a computer will indicate a red squiggly line underlying the misspelt word.

Avoid misspelling English words by proofreading and checking your work before publishing or submitting.

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Preferred vs Prefered: Key Difference between Preferred and Prefered

The main difference between preferred and prefered is that one is spelt correctly, while the other is spelt incorrectly. The correct spelling is the verb “preferred”. It’s the past tense and past participle of the term “prefer”.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the verb “preferred” is the simple past tense and past participle of “prefer”. As a transitive verb, the term “prefer” means to advance, promote or be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else.

On the other hand, “prefered” is the common misspelling of preferred.

Prefered spelt with one letter “r” is the common misspelling of the verb “preferred”. Prefered is not a recognized English word, so you won’t find it in the English dictionary.

As an adjective, the word “preferred” means favoured. Preferred is the correct spelling, spelt with a double letter “r”.

Prefered is spelt with one letter, making it the misspelling of preferred.

Preferred and prefered may appear almost identical in spelling, the difference between these is the letter “r” in the spelling.

Preferred vs Prefered: Examples of Sentences with the verb “Preferred”

Let’s look at a few examples of sentences with Preferred.

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Simple Sentences with Preferred

  • Maria preferred walking home from school instead of taking the bus.
  • Miley preferred going to prom with a red dress and long hair.
  • I was told you preferred taking an ice-cold bath as a remedy for recovery.
  • This is the most preferred institution in the state, with a high graduation rate of 98%.
  • Luca was preferred for the job because of his experience in computer engineering.
  • The restaurant offered preferred discount rates to their long-term customers.
  • I was looking at him, and he preferred not to say a word.
  • Jones has always preferred reading novels over parties.
  • The long-awaited preferred meal is finally on the menu.
  • They preferred to dance as part of their presentation over signing.

Preferred vs Prefered: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions about correct spelling between preferred vs prefered.

Which is the correct spelling, preferred or prefered?

Preferred is a recognized English word used when writing to convey meaning.  It’s a Standard English word and the correct spelling of the verb.

Is most preferred correct?

Of course, “most preferred” is a word you can use in spoken and written English.

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How do you use prefer and preferred in a sentence?

Prefer means to advance, promote or be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else. It’s appropriate to use the term “prefer” when you are talking about a recent situation or habit.

A common example of how to use prefer in a sentence is- “I prefer not to say a word on this matter”. When using the past tense and past participle of “prefer”- you can say “I was looking at him, and he preferred not to say a word”.

What is the meaning of Preferred stock?

This is a type of stock with a higher claim on the earnings and assets of a corporation.

Conclusion

Preferred and prefered are words that can be pronounced in the same way, but their spellings are different. Preferred, according to the English dictionary, is a verb and the past tense and past participle of “prefer”.

The other word has no meaning and should not be used in any form of writing.

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