liever

Liever is a Dutch word used as an adverb and the comparative form of lief, meaning kind or dear. It expresses a preference and is translated as would rather or preferably. It is used to compare two or more options, usually with dan.

Examples show its use in everyday language. Ik drink liever koffie dan thee means I would rather drink coffee than tea. Wil je koffie of thee? Ik drink liever koffie means Would you like coffee or tea? I would rather drink coffee. Ik wil liever niet meedoen means I would rather not participate. The structure often involves dan to introduce the compared option (liever X dan Y).

Grammar and nuance: Liever denotes a stronger preference than graag (gladly); het liefst expresses the strongest possible preference (superlative). The word is invariable and does not change for gender or number. It can be intensified with veel, as in veel liever (much more preferable).

Etymology and usage notes: Liever derives from lief, meaning kind or dear. In addition to Dutch, the word appears in Afrikaans with a similar meaning and usage, reflecting shared Germanic roots. It is commonly used in everyday speech to express choice or inclination, including in negative constructions (liever niet) to indicate a preference against an option.