praeferre

Praeferre is a Latin verb meaning to prefer, to carry before, or to place in front of in esteem or priority. Its basic sense is to rank something as more worthy or desirable than another thing. The prefix prae- means “before,” and ferre means “to carry” or “to bear,” giving the figurative sense of placing one thing before another.

The principal parts are praefero, praeferre, praetuli, praelatum. It belongs to the ferre family and is irregular in its conjugation, sharing its core patterns with that verb but with the prae- prefix. In Latin prose, praeferre is used to express choosing or valuing one option over another, as in hypothetical, argumentative, or diplomatic contexts, and is common in both everyday and formal writing.

Usage and syntax. Praeferre is a transitive verb used to indicate preference between two options, things, or people. The thing or person preferred is typically the direct object, while the alternative is indicated by a second noun phrase (often introduced by a comparative clause, quam, or a related construction). The verb can apply to things, actions, or people being ranked or valued more highly. It also appears in idiomatic phrases that emphasize priority or precedence, not merely taste or opinion.

Historical and textual note. Praeferre appears throughout Latin literature from early to late periods and features in political, rhetorical, and ethical discourse. It remains a standard expression for comparing value or priority and is encountered in authors ranging from Cicero to later writers.

See also: ferre, prae- prefixes, Latin verb conjugation patterns.