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adverb

preferably

CEFR B2

more readily or willingly

In a sentence

Six example sentences with preferably, each labelled with its topic.

  • Samples should be frozen quickly, preferably within an hour, because slower cooling lets ice crystals tear the cell walls.

    Science

  • The guild took apprentices at twelve, preferably from families already in the trade, and kept them for seven years.

    History

  • The conservator wanted north light, preferably in a room with no direct sun, before touching the cracked varnish.

    Art

  • Serve the soup hot, preferably in bowls warmed in the oven, so it does not cool before it reaches the table.

    Cooking

  • Book the mountain train early, preferably a week ahead, since the morning departures sell out all summer.

    Travel

  • Run the long session on soft ground, preferably a trail, since pavement punishes the knees over two hours.

    Fitness

Study preferably until you keep it

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Found in these word lists

Each source is a published word list that contains preferably. No exam board publishes an official GRE, GMAT or SAT list; GMAT words come from GRE lists and the Academic Word List.