-fer, -ferous

To value or to choose one thing over something else: Joan decided she'd prefer chocolate pie instead of cookies.

The broker at the bank, Mr. Smith, consistently prefers investment certificates rather than savings accounts.

Descriptive of something that is valued above other things, or of something that is superior to something else: Cora decided it was a preferable travel choice to go by train than by bus because it took less time.

Pertaining to how something is, by choice, more acceptable: John listens to the radio quite often, however he would preferably watch old movies on the television.

A liking of something or a predisposition to have a favorite choice: As a farmer, Charlie showed a preference for raising prize-winning chickens as opposed to raising cattle.

An indication of something that is special, advantageous, or highly favored: Mr. Steel, the chairman of the bank, gave preferential treatment to large investors and ignored the small stakeholders. © ALL rights are reserved.

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Conveying a manner that is exceptional or better than what is typical: Among the long term residents of the hotel, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were treated preferentially when the host determined who would be seated in the dining room next to the windows.

An act of advancement or a promotion: It upset Ron when he realized that Ralf, the son of the mill owner, Mr. Seed, received a preferment as the result of a so-called performance evaluation by the manager who wanted to please his boss.

1. To hold something out to someone so that he, or she, can take it or grasp it: Kenny liked to tease his dog by proffering it a bone but not quite letting the pooch get ahold of it.
2. To suggest something for consideration to someone: William decided to proffer an idea to the board for saving money and investing it in new equipment for the factory.
3. To present a proposal that is submitted for acceptance or rejection: The management at the factory proffered a wage settlement to the union which the workers rejected and so they went on strike.
4. Offering evidence in a judicial trial: The lawyer proffered photos as proof or documentation that took place during the criminal act.
5. Etymology: from Anglo-French profrier (about 1240), Old French poroffrir (about 1080); from por-, "forth" (from Latin pro-) + offrir, "to offer"; from Latin offerre, "to present, to bestow, to bring before" (in Late Latin, "to present in worship"); from ob, "to" + ferre, "to bring, to carry". © ALL rights are reserved.

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1. To direct to a source for help or information, to send: After completing the forms, Irene was referred to the personnel director.
2. To assign or to attribute to; to mention: The writer referred to the history book to make his point.
3. To hand over, to submit, to deliver, or to transmit and pass along: Willie referred the supervisor's proposal to the board of directors for consideration.

James wants Greg to look at the headlines that refer to the deluge and devastation caused by the flood waters.

4. To turn, to go to, or to consult: Max was told to refer to the last page of the book for the answers to the quiz that he took to increase his vocabulary skills.

Although "allude" and refer are synonyms, their connotations and proper applications are quite different.

Characteristic of being assigned to or regarded as belonging to a particular situation or cause: The collapse of the wall of Hardy's barn was a referable accident as a result of the heavy rains during the spring.

An individual who is responsible to ensure compliance with the rules of a game or procedures for obtaining something such as a financial grant: John, the referee at the American football game, wore a black and white shirt so players could easily see him.

The courts appointed the Justice as the referee to determine whether the mayor, Mr. Demon, had complied with the application procedure to obtain funds for his baseball team.

1. An individual or an institution which is able to provide information about someone in order to support the activity of that person: Mark's favorite history professor, Dr. Charles, agreed to be a reference for him when he applied for a grant to proceed with his PhD or Doctor of Philosophy in psychology.
2. An indication or note in a publication recommending the reader to look for further information in a different source: The reference in the text directed Allen to see the on-line dictionary for details about the etymology of words.

1. An officer by whom the order of causes was presented to the Roman emperor: The referendarius made the desires or petitions known to the emperor and his responses were returned to those who were making requests or appeals.
2. Etymology: from Latin refero, "to inform".

1. The submission of a proposed public measure or actual statute for a direct vote by the people: On many government issues, the elected representatives will negotiate and submit a law; however, sometimes there's a referendum when the issue is put directly to the people for a final approval or vote by the officially qualified voters.
2. Etymology: from Latin referendum, "that which must be referred"; literally, "thing brought back"; from referre. "to bring" or "to take back".

Something or someone who is the object of a comment or a suggestion: Professor Joan was the referent in the speech by the university president who cited her outstanding qualities as a teacher and as head of research in her department.