Like vs. Prefer — What's the Difference?

In English, the word like has a very flexible range of uses, ranging from conventional to non-standard. It can be used as a noun, verb, adverb, adjective, preposition, particle, conjunction, hedge, filler, and quotative.

Like (one thing or person) better than another or others; tend to choose

Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to

Submit (a charge or a piece of information) for consideration

Used to draw attention to the nature of an action or event

Promote or advance (someone) to a prestigious position

Such as; for example

To choose or be in the habit of choosing as more desirable or as having more value

In the same way that; as

To give priority or precedence to (a creditor).

As though; as if

To present (a charge) against a defendant before a court

Used with reference to a person or thing of the same kind as another

To present (a case) to a court as ready for consideration

The things one likes or prefers

(Archaic) To recommend for advancement or appointment; promote.

(of a person or thing) having similar qualities or characteristics to another person or thing

(transitive) To be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else; to favor; to like better.

Used in speech as a meaningless filler or to signify the speaker's uncertainty about an expression just used

To advance, promote (someone or something).

Used to convey a person's reported attitude or feelings in the form of direct speech (whether or not representing an actual quotation)

(transitive) To present or submit (something) to an authority (now usually in "to prefer charges").

In the manner of

To put forward for acceptance; to introduce, recommend (to).

Find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory

To carry or bring (something) forward, or before one; hence, to bring for consideration, acceptance, judgment, etc.; to offer; to present; to proffer; to address; - said especially of a request, prayer, petition, claim, charge, etc.

Wish for; want

To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass.

To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy

To cause to go before; hence, to advance before others, as to an office or dignity; to raise; to exalt; to promote; as, to prefer an officer to the rank of general.

To want to have

To set above or before something else in estimation, favor, or liking; to regard or honor before another; to hold in greater favor; to choose rather; - often followed by to, before, or above.

To prefer

Like better; value more highly;

To feel about; regard

Select as an alternative; choose instead; prefer as an alternative;

To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest

Promote over another;

To perform well under (a given condition) or using (a given feature)

Give preference to one creditor over another

(Archaic) To be pleasing to.

To have an inclination or a preference

(Scots) To be pleased.

Something that is liked; a preference

One similar to or like another. Used with the

Often likes(Informal) An equivalent or similar person or thing; an equal or match

Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to

In the typical manner of

In the same way as

Inclined or disposed to

As if the probability exists for

Such as; for example

Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar

In the manner of being; as if. Used as an intensifier of action

(Informal) Probably; likely

Nearly; approximately

(Nonstandard) Used to provide emphasis or to focus attention on something

In the same way that; as

As if

To enjoy, be pleased by; favor; be in favor of.

To please.

(obsolete) To derive pleasure of, by or with someone or something.

To prefer and maintain (an action) as a regular habit or activity.

(obsolete) To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).

(archaic) To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.

To find attractive; to prefer the company of; to have mild romantic feelings for.

(obsolete) To liken; to compare.

To show support for, or approval of, something posted on the Internet by marking it with a vote.

(with 'would' and in certain other phrases) To want, desire. See also would like.

To accept as an input.

To be likely.

Something that a person likes (prefers).

(internet) An individual vote showing support for, approval of, or enjoyment of, something posted on the Internet.

(sometimes as the likes of) Someone similar to a given person, or something similar to a given object; a comparative; a type; a sort.

(golf) The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.

Similar.

Likely; probable.

Inclined (to), prone (to).

Likely.

In a like or similar manner.

(colloquial) As, the way.

As if; as though.

Similar to, reminiscent of

Typical of

Approximating

In the manner of, similarly to

Such as

As if there would be

Used to ask for a description or opinion of someone or something

Having the same, or nearly the same, appearance, qualities, or characteristics; resembling; similar to; similar; alike; - often with in and the particulars of the resemblance; as, they are like each other in features, complexion, and many traits of character.

Equal, or nearly equal; as, fields of like extent.

Having probability; affording probability; probable; likely.

Inclined toward; disposed to; as, to feel like taking a walk.

That which is equal or similar to another; the counterpart; an exact resemblance; a copy.

A liking; a preference; inclination; - usually in pl.; as, we all have likes and dislikes.

The stroke which equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side; as, to play the like.

In a manner like that of; in a manner similar to; as, do not act like him.

In a like or similar manner.

Likely; probably.

To suit; to please; to be agreeable to.

To be pleased with in a moderate degree; to approve; to take satisfaction in; to enjoy.

To liken; to compare.

To be pleased; to choose.

To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).

Prefer or wish to do something;

Find enjoyable or agreeable;

Be fond of;

Feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard;

Want to have;

Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;

Equal in amount or value;

Having the same or similar characteristics;

Conforming in every respect;