“Perfer” is a common spelling mistake. The correct word is “prefer,” which means to like one option more than another.
Ever typed a word in a hurry and wondered why your spell-check instantly attacked you with a bright red underline? If you’ve ever written “perfer” instead of “prefer,” you’re definitely not alone. This tiny typo confuses millions of English learners — and even native speakers — every single day.
In reality, only one spelling is correct, and using the wrong one can make messages, emails, and even social media posts look unprofessional. That’s exactly why understanding the difference between perfer and prefer matters.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- The correct meaning of the word
- Why “perfer” is grammatically incorrect
- Common mistakes behind the confusion
- Real examples and usage
- How to use “prefer” properly across texting, Instagram, business emails, and more
Let’s dive in!
What Does “Perfer / Prefer” Mean?
“Perfer” is not a real English word. The correct spelling is “prefer,” which means to like or choose one thing more than another.
“Prefer” is a standard English verb used in daily conversation, writing, business communication, and academic contexts.
Origin and Popularity
The word “prefer” comes from the Latin term praeferre, meaning “to carry before” or “to put forward.” Over time, the word evolved through Old French (préférer) into Middle English, eventually becoming the spelling we use today: prefer.
Why does “perfer” show up everywhere online?
- It’s a common typing mistake due to letter inversion.
- It often appears in fast texting or casual chats.
- Some users rely on autocorrect, which fixes it without them noticing.
- English learners mix up the vowel placement.
The correct spelling “prefer” remains extremely popular in English usage across social platforms, business communication, and formal writing.
“Perfer / Prefer” Meaning in Different Contexts
1. In Texting
- Prefer is used to express choice casually.
- “Perfer” may appear due to rushed typing.
Example:
“I prefer tea over coffee.”
2. On Instagram / TikTok
- Often used in captions, polls, and comparisons.
- Using the correct spelling maintains clarity and prevents embarrassing typos.
Example:
“Which do you prefer? Beach views or city lights?”
3. In Business / Formal Communication
- Only “prefer” is acceptable.
- Using “perfer” looks unprofessional and incorrect.
Example:
“I prefer the revised proposal for the final submission.”
Examples of “Prefer” in Conversations
Chat Examples
Friend 1: Do you prefer pizza or pasta tonight?
Friend 2: Definitely pasta.
Person A: I prefer working early in the morning.
Person B: Same! It’s when I’m most productive.
Formal Example
“We prefer to schedule meetings after 10 AM to allow teams adequate preparation time.”
Comparison Table: Perfer vs Prefer
| Word | Correct? | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfer | ❌ No | Not a word | ❌ “I perfer apples.” |
| Prefer | ✔ Yes | To like something more | ✔ “I prefer apples.” |
Similar or Related Terms
These related terms help strengthen understanding and improve :
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Choice | Selecting one option over another |
| Preference | Someone’s personal liking or priority |
| Favor | To support or like something more |
| Opt for | To choose one thing over another |
| Like better | A straightforward way to express preference |
How to Use “Prefer” Correctly
Do’s
✔ Use “prefer” when expressing clear choices
✔ Use it in both formal and informal writing
✔ Combine it with “to” or “over”
✔ Use it in business emails to sound professional
Example:
“I prefer going by train to traveling by car.”
Don’ts
❌ Don’t write “perfer” — it is always incorrect
❌ Don’t use it without a comparison if the sentence requires one
❌ Don’t mix it up with “like,” which is less strong
Common Mistakes or Misinterpretations
1. Mistake: Writing “Perfer” Instead of “Prefer”
This happens due to:
- Fast typing
- Autocorrect errors
- English learning challenges
2. Mistake: Saying “Prefer than”
Incorrect: “I prefer tea than coffee.”
Correct: “I prefer tea to coffee.”
3. Mistake: Confusing “Prefer” With “Like”
- Like = general fondness
- Prefer = choosing one thing over another
FAQ Section
1. What does “prefer” mean?
“Prefer” means to like or choose one option more than another. It expresses a clear comparison or stronger liking between two choices.
2. Is “perfer” a real word?
No. “Perfer” is a misspelling caused by letter inversion or rushed typing. The correct spelling is always prefer.
3. How do you use “prefer” in a sentence?
Use it to compare two things. Example: “I prefer staying home to going out.” You can also use it without comparison in casual contexts: “I prefer tea.”
4. What is the difference between prefer and like?
“Like” shows general enjoyment. “Prefer” expresses stronger liking and comparison between two or more things.
5. Can I use “prefer” in formal writing?
Yes! “Prefer” is appropriate for academic, professional, and business communication. Always avoid the incorrect spelling “perfer.”
6. Why do people type ‘perfer’?
Most often due to quick typing, misspelling, or autocorrect issues. It’s one of the most common English typing mistakes.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly why “perfer” is always wrong and “prefer” is the correct spelling every single time. Understanding this difference helps you write confidently — whether you’re texting a friend, posting on Instagram, or sending a business email.
So the next time you need to express a choice, you’ll know which word to use — and you’ll never second-guess your spelling again.
Keep exploring our site for more easy, clear explanations of confusing English words and everyday slang!
Kael Donovan is a language enthusiast and writer at Definevs.com, simplifying complex words and grammar rules into fun, easy-to-understand guides for readers.
