--- title: P — The English dictionary with trees and pragmatics · page 52 description: The 1498 words of the English dictionary under P, every meaning for a pupil and every example with its dependency tree and pragmatics. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/52/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [dictionaries](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/) / [English dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/) / P # P — The English dictionary · page 52 [A](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/A/) · [B](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/B/) · [C](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/) · [D](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/D/) · [E](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/E/) · [F](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/F/) · [G](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/G/) · [H](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/H/) · [I](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/I/) · [J](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/J/) · [K](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/K/) · [L](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/L/) · [M](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/M/) · [N](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/N/) · [O](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/O/) · [P](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/) · [Q](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Q/) · [R](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/R/) · [S](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/) · [T](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/T/) · [U](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/U/) · [V](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/V/) · [W](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/W/) · [X](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/X/) · [Y](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Y/) · [Z](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Z/) [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/) … [51](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/51/) **52** [53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/53/) … [77](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/77/) **precursor** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Something that came before a later thing and led to it or helped it develop: «The abacus was a precursor of the calculator.».[↗](../../precursor/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A sign or event that comes before something else: «a precursor to a storm».[↗](../../precursor/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (science) A substance from which another substance is made in a chemical reaction or in the body.[↗](../../precursor/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The penny-farthing was a precursor of the modern bicycle.[↗](../../precursor/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Telegrams were a precursor to text messages.[↗](../../precursor/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Some dinosaurs were precursors of birds.[↗](../../precursor/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Dark clouds were the precursor to a big storm.[↗](../../precursor/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The Greek Olympics were a precursor of today's Games.[↗](../../precursor/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · In plants, some chemicals are precursors of colours in leaves.[↗](../../precursor/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The first computer games were simple precursors of the games we play now.[↗](../../precursor/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **predate** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To exist or happen earlier than something else: «Dinosaurs predate humans by millions of years.».[↗](../../predate/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To write a date on a document that is earlier than the real day (also «backdate»).[↗](../../predate/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (science, of animals) To hunt and eat other animals as prey (a related word: predator).[↗](../../predate/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Stonehenge predates the pyramids of Giza in some of its parts.[↗](../../predate/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The oak tree predates every house in our street.[↗](../../predate/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Fossils show that sharks predate dinosaurs.[↗](../../predate/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Owls predate on mice and voles.[↗](../../predate/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Some stories of King Arthur predate the castles they mention.[↗](../../predate/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Dad predated the form by mistake, so he had to fill in a new one.[↗](../../predate/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **predation** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Predation is when one animal (a predator) hunts, kills and eats another animal (its prey).[↗](../../predation/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Camouflage helps insects avoid predation.[↗](../../predation/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Predation by foxes is a danger to ground-nesting birds.[↗](../../predation/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Wolves control deer numbers through predation.[↗](../../predation/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Living in herds protects zebras from predation.[↗](../../predation/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Rats on the island caused heavy predation of seabird eggs.[↗](../../predation/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Predation is part of every food chain.[↗](../../predation/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **predator** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A predator is an animal that hunts and eats other animals.[↗](../../predator/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* The animals a predator eats are called its prey.[↗](../../predator/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* A predator can also mean a dangerous person who tries to harm others, especially children.[↗](../../predator/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The lion is a predator that hunts zebras.[↗](../../predator/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · An owl is a predator of mice.[↗](../../predator/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Sharks are top predators in the ocean.[↗](../../predator/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Rabbits watch out for predators like foxes.[↗](../../predator/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · In the food chain, the predator eats the prey.[↗](../../predator/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · A ladybird is a predator of tiny greenflies.[↗](../../predator/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Camouflage helps animals hide from predators.[↗](../../predator/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · Tell a trusted adult if anyone online makes you feel unsafe.[↗](../../predator/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **predatory** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (animals) Living by hunting and eating other animals.[↗](../../predatory/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (people) Trying to use or harm others for gain, especially weaker people: predatory lenders, predatory adults online.[↗](../../predatory/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Owls are predatory birds that hunt at night.[↗](../../predatory/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Sharks are predatory fish.[↗](../../predatory/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · A predatory adult may pretend to be a child online.[↗](../../predatory/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Tell a grown-up if anyone online asks you to keep secrets.[↗](../../predatory/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The predatory spider waits for flies in its web.[↗](../../predatory/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Some loan companies are predatory and charge huge interest.[↗](../../predatory/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **predecessor** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A predecessor is the person who had a job or position before someone else.[↗](../../predecessor/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A predecessor is a thing that came before another thing and was replaced by it, like an older model of a phone.[↗](../../predecessor/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The new head teacher is stricter than her predecessor.[↗](../../predecessor/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · This phone is faster than its predecessor.[↗](../../predecessor/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The king's predecessor was his uncle.[↗](../../predecessor/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The predecessor of 100 is 99.[↗](../../predecessor/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Write the predecessor of each number.[↗](../../predecessor/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The new bridge is much wider than its predecessor.[↗](../../predecessor/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · I saw him, last winter, make your predecessor run, and his predecessor before him.[↗](../../predecessor/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · This work then, or a similar predecessor, is at least as old as a.d.[↗](../../predecessor/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") 200.[↗](../../predecessor/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893)[↗](../../predecessor/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · This work then, or a similar predecessor, is at least as old as A.D.[↗](../../predecessor/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") 200.[↗](../../predecessor/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893)[↗](../../predecessor/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · Again, I have to add that I have not only endeavored to correct a great many mistakes and erroneous ideas of my predecessors, but I have also endeavored to give more complete annotations.[↗](../../predecessor/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877)[↗](../../predecessor/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") **predetermined** — *In Jewish tradition, meaning 1:* Decided or fixed beforehand.[↗](../../predetermined/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* He predetermined, and by speaking created every creature and every word by one name.[↗](../../predetermined/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877)[↗](../../predetermined/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · He \[24\] predetermined, and by speaking created every creature and every word by one name.[↗](../../predetermined/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877)[↗](../../predetermined/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") **predicament** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A predicament is a difficult or awkward situation that is hard to get out of.[↗](../../predicament/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The fox was in a predicament: the hounds were coming and the river was too deep.[↗](../../predicament/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · We got into a predicament when we lost the map.[↗](../../predicament/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Think hard and you will find a way out of this predicament.[↗](../../predicament/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") **predict** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To predict is to say what you think will happen in the future, before it happens.[↗](../../predict/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* In science, to say what you expect the result of a test to be, using what you already know.[↗](../../predict/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* I predict that the ice will melt in ten minutes.[↗](../../predict/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Predict what will happen next in the story.[↗](../../predict/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Can you predict the next number: 2, 4, 6, ...?[↗](../../predict/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The weather forecast predicts rain tomorrow.[↗](../../predict/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Nobody predicted that our team would win.[↗](../../predict/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · We predicted the heavy ball would fall faster, but they landed together.[↗](../../predict/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Scientists predict where hurricanes will go.[↗](../../predict/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · It had been predicted that a certain baby princess would begin flying about the world as soon as she was fifteen.[↗](../../predict/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **predictable** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Able to be guessed or known before it happens: «Tides are predictable.».[↗](../../predictable/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Always doing the same thing, so you know what will happen; sometimes boring: «a predictable ending».[↗](../../predictable/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The number pattern 2, 4, 6, 8 is predictable.[↗](../../predictable/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The film was so predictable that I guessed the ending.[↗](../../predictable/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Babies like a predictable bedtime routine.[↗](../../predictable/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Sunrise times are predictable for every day of the year.[↗](../../predictable/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Our dog is predictable: he always barks at the bin lorry.[↗](../../predictable/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Weather is not always predictable, so take a coat.[↗](../../predictable/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Coin tosses are not predictable; each one is a 50-50 chance.[↗](../../predictable/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **prediction** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A prediction is a guess about what will happen in the future, often based on facts or evidence.[↗](../../prediction/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A prediction is the act of saying what will happen.[↗](../../prediction/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* My prediction is that the heavier ball will fall faster.[↗](../../prediction/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Write your prediction before you start the experiment.[↗](../../prediction/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The weather prediction said it would rain.[↗](../../prediction/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Her prediction turned out to be right.[↗](../../prediction/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Use the pattern to make a prediction for the next number.[↗](../../prediction/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Nobody's prediction of the score was correct.[↗](../../prediction/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Our Mayblossom will be happy in spite of her predictions.’[↗](../../prediction/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **predominance** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* The state of being more in number or more common than others: «a predominance of girls in the choir».[↗](../../predominance/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* The state of having the most power or influence: «the predominance of one team in the league».[↗](../../predominance/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The class survey showed a predominance of dog owners over cat owners.[↗](../../predominance/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · There is a predominance of pine trees in this forest.[↗](../../predominance/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The predominance of rain in the west makes it very green.[↗](../../predominance/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Rome's predominance in the Mediterranean lasted for centuries.[↗](../../predominance/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The garden has a predominance of red and yellow flowers.[↗](../../predominance/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · In the pie chart, the predominance of blue shows that most children chose swimming.[↗](../../predominance/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **predominant** — *In Jewish tradition, meaning 1:* Strongest or ruling over others.[↗](../../predominant/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* He produced Tzaddi, predominant in Taste, crowned it, combined and formed with it Aquarius in the Year, and the gullet in Man.[↗](../../predominant/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893)[↗](../../predominant/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Tau, predominant in beauty, crowned, combined and formed Jupiter in the Universe, the seventh day in the week, and the mouth of man.[↗](../../predominant/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887)[↗](../../predominant/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · He produced Nun, predominant in smell, crowned, combined, and formed Scorpio in the world, Marchesvan in the year, and the intestines in man.[↗](../../predominant/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887)[↗](../../predominant/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") **predominantly** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (formal) Mostly; mainly; for the greatest part.[↗](../../predominantly/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The forest is predominantly made up of pine trees.[↗](../../predominantly/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The town is predominantly English-speaking.[↗](../../predominantly/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Koalas eat predominantly eucalyptus leaves.[↗](../../predominantly/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The weather in Ireland is predominantly mild and wet.[↗](../../predominantly/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Our class is predominantly made up of nine-year-olds.[↗](../../predominantly/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The book is predominantly about friendship.[↗](../../predominantly/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **predominate** — *In Jewish tradition, meaning 1:* To be the strongest or ruling part.[↗](../../predominate/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* He let the letter Sheen (ש) predominate in primitive fire, crowned it, combined one with the other, and formed by them, heaven in the world, heat in the year, and the head of male and female.[↗](../../predominate/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877)[↗](../../predominate/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · He let the letter Sheen (ש) predominate in primitive fire, crowned it, combined one with the other, and formed by them, heaven in the world, heat in the year, and the head of male and female.[↗](../../predominate/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") \[32\] (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877)[↗](../../predominate/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · He let the letter ת predominate in beauty, crowned it, combined one with the other, and formed by them: Jupiter in the world, the seventh day in the year, and the mouth of man, male and female.[↗](../../predominate/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877)[↗](../../predominate/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") **preen** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Of a bird: to clean and tidy its feathers with its beak.[↗](../../preen/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Of a person (often joking or disapproving): to spend a lot of time making yourself look nice.[↗](../../preen/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* To feel or show pride in yourself: preen yourself on something.[↗](../../preen/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The swan preened its white feathers.[↗](../../preen/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Ducks preen to keep their feathers waterproof.[↗](../../preen/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · My brother preened in front of the mirror before the party.[↗](../../preen/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The parrot preened itself on its perch.[↗](../../preen/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · She preened herself on winning the prize.[↗](../../preen/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Stop preening and come and eat\![↗](../../preen/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · He turned sharply, and there, just above him on the branch of a tree, sat a large Parrot, busily preening his feathers.[↗](../../preen/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **preface** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A preface is a short introduction at the start of a book, where the writer explains why the book was written.[↗](../../preface/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To preface something is to say or write something first, before the main part.[↗](../../preface/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Read the preface before you start the story.[↗](../../preface/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The writer's preface explains where the tales came from.[↗](../../preface/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · She prefaced her speech with a joke.[↗](../../preface/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · With English Translation, Preface, Explanatory Notes and Glossary, (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877)[↗](../../preface/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · A Version with preface by M. ben J. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893)[↗](../../preface/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Source: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/SepherYetzirah (/Preface, /Introduction, /SepherYetzirah), fetched via index.php?action=render on 2026-10-17.[↗](../../preface/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893)[↗](../../preface/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **prefatory** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (formal) Prefatory means coming at the beginning as an introduction, like a preface to a book or a short speech before the main one.[↗](../../prefatory/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* (formal) The author wrote a prefatory note explaining the book.[↗](../../prefatory/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · (formal) After some prefatory remarks, the head teacher announced the winners.[↗](../../prefatory/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The prefatory chapter is short.[↗](../../prefatory/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · (formal) Read the prefatory instructions before answering.[↗](../../prefatory/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Her prefatory words thanked the parents.[↗](../../prefatory/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The report begins with a prefatory summary.[↗](../../prefatory/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · (everyday) Before the main talk, he said a few opening words.[↗](../../prefatory/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · (formal) The prefatory pages are numbered i, ii, iii.[↗](../../prefatory/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **prefect** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ) A prefect is an older pupil chosen to help keep order and help younger pupils at school.[↗](../../prefect/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* In some countries, such as France, a prefect is an official who runs a region.[↗](../../prefect/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* In ancient Rome, a prefect was an important officer.[↗](../../prefect/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* She was made a prefect in her last year.[↗](../../prefect/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The prefects help at lunchtime.[↗](../../prefect/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · A prefect showed the new pupils round.[↗](../../prefect/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The head prefect gave a speech in assembly.[↗](../../prefect/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · In the story, the prefects were very strict.[↗](../../prefect/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Ask a prefect if you get lost.[↗](../../prefect/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Prefects wear a special badge.[↗](../../prefect/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · The Roman prefect ruled the city.[↗](../../prefect/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · Then the king made Daniel great, and gave him many great gifts, and made him to rule over the whole province of Babylon, and to be chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.[↗](../../prefect/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings DAN.2.48, JPS 1917)[↗](../../prefect/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") **prefer** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To prefer means to like one thing more than another, or to choose it if you can.[↗](../../prefer/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* «I would prefer…» is a polite way to say what you want.[↗](../../prefer/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* I prefer apples to oranges.[↗](../../prefer/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Would you prefer tea or juice?[↗](../../prefer/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · My cat prefers sleeping in the sun.[↗](../../prefer/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · I'd prefer to stay inside today.[↗](../../prefer/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Woodlice prefer dark, damp places.[↗](../../prefer/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Most of the class preferred the beach to the zoo.[↗](../../prefer/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · She prefers reading to watching TV.[↗](../../prefer/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · I'd prefer not to talk about it.[↗](../../prefer/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · Nonetheless, English translators have usually shied away from the this-worldly symbolism of the ‘Holy Wind’, much preferring immaterial ‘Spirit’ either out of theological embarrassment or deference to tradition.[↗](../../prefer/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation)[↗](../../prefer/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") **preferable** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Preferable means better or more suitable, so you would rather have or choose it.[↗](../../preferable/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* A small, friendly school is preferable to a big one for my little brother.[↗](../../preferable/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Sleeping in a tent is preferable to sleeping outside in the rain.[↗](../../preferable/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · It is preferable to use a pencil for maths.[↗](../../preferable/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Water is preferable to fizzy drinks when you're thirsty.[↗](../../preferable/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Short sentences are often preferable in instructions.[↗](../../preferable/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Any answer is preferable to a blank space in a test.[↗](../../preferable/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · A Carpenter, with equal enthusiasm, proposed timber as a preferable method of defense.[↗](../../preferable/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **preferably** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* If possible; it would be better if: «Come early, preferably before nine.».[↗](../../preferably/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* In a way that is chosen or liked more than other ways.[↗](../../preferably/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Bring a drink, preferably water, not fizzy pop.[↗](../../preferably/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Write your answer in pen, preferably black.[↗](../../preferably/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · We need a helper, preferably someone tall.[↗](../../preferably/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Go to bed early, preferably by eight.[↗](../../preferably/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Keep the medicine somewhere cool, preferably in the fridge.[↗](../../preferably/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Plant the seeds in spring, preferably on a dry day.[↗](../../preferably/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · «Shall I bring my brother?»[↗](../../preferably/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") «Preferably not.»[↗](../../preferably/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **preference** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A liking for one thing more than another.[↗](../../preference/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* The thing you like more or choose.[↗](../../preference/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* «Give preference to»: treat one person or group better or first.[↗](../../preference/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* I have a preference for chocolate ice cream.[↗](../../preference/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · List the films in order of preference.[↗](../../preference/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The survey showed pupils' preferences for sports.[↗](../../preference/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · It's a matter of personal preference.[↗](../../preference/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Older people are given preference for seats on the bus.[↗](../../preference/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Do you have a preference, tea or juice?[↗](../../preference/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Aphrodite greatly preferred Ares to her husband, and this preference naturally gave rise to much jealousy on the part of Hephaestus, and caused them great unhappiness.[↗](../../preference/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/) … [51](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/51/) **52** [53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/53/) … [77](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/77/) - ← previous: [page 51](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/51/) - next →: [page 53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/53/) - ↑ back to [The English dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/)