adjective
preferable
PREHF-ruh-bl
adjective
1
More desirable or better than an alternative.
"A short delay is preferable to canceling the trip altogether."
How to Use Preferable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBetter as an option, when compared with something else.
Common mistake
Preferable already means "more preferred," so avoid saying "more preferable" — it's redundant.
Common pairings
preferable to
a preferable option
clearly preferable
Word Forms
more preferable comparative, most preferable superlative
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A short delay is _____ to canceling the trip altogether.
Etymology
From prefer plus the adjective-forming suffix -able, likely influenced by the French preferable.