What does preferable mean?
Word: Preferable
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Preferable means better or more suitable than something else, so it is the one you would choose.
Synonyms: better
How do you spell preferable?
Syllables: pref - er - a - ble
Tricky part: The r stays single here, though it doubles when -ed or -ing is added to the verb.
Watch out for: preferrable, perferable
Memory tip: Only the -ed and -ing forms of the verb get a double r; this adjective never does.
Preferable in a sentence
Example 1: For a long bus ride, a window seat is preferable to the aisle.
Example 2: Cycling to school is preferable to sitting in traffic.
Example 3: In such heat, an early-morning match is far preferable to one at noon.
Fun Fact
The word goes back to a Latin verb meaning to carry in front, as if the better choice is carried ahead of the others.
Practise the CREST Way
Mingle-Mangle
Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:
fbeeprarle
a) preferable
b) perishable
c) profitable
d) pleasurable
Show answer
a) preferable. Perishable needs an i, an s and an h, pleasurable an s and a u, and profitable an o, an i and a t.
Word Cookie
Insert the correct pair of letters to form a word:
pref_r_ble
a) e, i
b) i, i
c) e, a
d) a, a
Show answer
c) e, a. The verb inside keeps its e, and the ending is -able.
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word:
preferable
a) advisable
b) undesirable
c) favoured
d) superior
Show answer
b) undesirable. Superior, advisable and favoured all point to a good choice; undesirable is one nobody wants.
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) prefferable
b) convenient
c) practical
d) excellent
Show answer
a) prefferable. The verb prefer has one f, and so does this adjective.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. 'Tea is preferable to coffee for me' means the speaker ____.
a) dislikes both drinks equally
b) would rather have tea
c) has never tasted tea
d) drinks only coffee
Show answer
b) would rather have tea
2. On a rainy day, a taxi is preferable to a bicycle because it ____.
a) goes much slower
b) has no seats
c) keeps you dry
d) costs nothing
Show answer
c) keeps you dry
