Preferálni

Preferálni is a Hungarian verb meaning to prefer, to like one option more than another. It is a loanword that entered Hungarian from a foreign language, most commonly associated with the verb form of preferer or préfèrer, adapted to Hungarian phonology as preferálni. In everyday use, preferálni expresses a preference between alternatives, rather than simply liking something.

Etymology and usage notes: The word is widely used in contemporary Hungarian, especially in informal and semi-formal contexts. It can be paired with a direct object in the accusative to specify what is preferred, for example, ezt a verziót preferálom (I prefer this version). It can also appear with comparisons, such as “jobban preferálom a zöldet a kéktől” (I prefer green to blue). In more formal or precise writing, speakers may opt for synonyms like előnyben részesít, which has a slightly more formal tone.

Grammar and examples: As a regular -álni verb, preferálni follows standard Hungarian conjugation patterns. Present tense forms include: én preferálom, te preferálod, ő preferálja; mi preferáljuk, ti preferáljátok, ők preferálják. The past tense is preferáltam, preferáltad, preferálta; a future construction often uses fog + preferálni, e.g., meg fogom preferálni. Example sentences: Azt a megoldást preferálom a többivel szemben. Tegnap ezt a verziót preferáltam.

See also: Similar expressions include kedvel, preferál, és előnyben részesít. The term is versatile but may be perceived as a loanword depending on context and register.