preferably

preferably — adverb

1. used to show which choice would be best or most wanted when there is a choice.

1.adverbB2
Definition

used to show which choice would be best or most wanted when there is a choice.

Example

Please send the photos tonight, preferably before the family dinner starts.

preferably before + time phrase

We would like a table by the window, preferably near the back.

main clause, preferably + place detail

Common collocations
  • preferably before noon
  • preferably by email
  • preferably in cash
  • preferably at home
  • preferably near the back
Synonyms
  • ideally

    stronger and often points to the perfect situation, not just the better one

  • if possible

    more neutral and practical, with less focus on personal preference

  • by preference

    formal and less common in everyday speech

Grammar Patterns

main clause, preferably + phrase

preferably before/by/in + phrase

preferably + place, time, or method

Usage Note

Usually comes after the main request, instruction, or piece of advice, then introduces the time, place, method, or kind of thing the speaker wants most. Common in polite requests, notices, and job ads.

Common Mistakes

Preferably I want a seat by the door.
I want a seat, preferably by the door.
'preferably' usually introduces the preferred detail after the main request.
We already went preferably by train.
We preferred to go by train.
use 'preferably' for the option you want, not for a choice already made.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Preferably marks the option the speaker wants most when there is a choice. Ideally is stronger: it points to the perfect arrangement, even if real life may not allow it. If possible is more practical and neutral, because it asks whether something can be done, without stressing personal preference as much. Rather is different in grammar and usually appears in patterns like would rather or rather than, not after a comma in this way. Compare: 'We need a quiet room, preferably at the back.' 'Ideally, it would also have a balcony.' 'If possible, book it before Friday.'

preferably ↗ideally ↗if possiblerather

Common collocations

Phrases

  • preferably before noon
  • preferably by email
  • preferably in cash
  • preferably with experience

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Preferably was formed in English from preferable plus the adverb ending -ly. The family goes back to prefer, which came through French from a Latin verb meaning 'carry before' or 'put in front'. That idea developed into placing one choice ahead of another. In modern English, preferably still marks the option a speaker would most like to choose.