vt.[W]

1. 宁可，宁愿（选择）；更喜欢[+v-ing][+to-v][O2][+（that）]
   I prefer the quiet countryside to the noisy cities.

   我喜欢安静的乡村胜过喧闹的城市。

   So you prefer living abroad?

   那么你是宁愿旅居海外啦？

   At the moment, he preferred not to think about the future.

   此时此刻，他宁愿不去想未来的事情。

   I preferred the title of reporter.

   我更喜欢记者这个头衔。

2. 【律】提出（控告等）
   Police preferred charges against him for theft.

   警方指控他有偷窃行为。

   He preferred a charge against the robber.

   他控告那名盗贼。

3. 【古】提升，提拔[（+to）]
4. 【律】给（债权人）优先权

v.

1. like (someone or something) better than another or others; tend to choose.
2. formal submit (a charge or information) for consideration.
3. archaic promote to a prestigious position.