preferiblemente
/pɾefeˌɾibleˈmente/
The English word "preferably" is translated into Spanish as preferiblemente.
In many contexts, you can also use the phrase si es posible, which translates to "if possible".
Meaning: in preference (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the adjective preferible (preferable) and the adverbial suffix -mente, which is equivalent to the English suffix "-ly".
How does it change in a sentence?
Adverbs ending in -mente do not change their form to agree with gender or number, regardless of the noun they modify.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾefeˌɾibleˈmente/
Did you know?
- The root of preferiblemente is linked to the Latin prae, meaning 'before', and ferre, meaning 'to carry'. Literally, it describes the act of carrying one choice before another.
- The suffix -mente in preferiblemente shares a common ancestor with the English word 'mind', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root for 'to think'.
- While preferiblemente is used for preferences, Spanish speakers often use the verb preferir in the conditional mood to be extra polite, such as preferiría, to soften a request.
Examples in context
- Las antenas deben situarse preferiblemente en la parte más alta del edificio.Antennas should be placed on the highest part of the building, preferably.This sentence shows how to use preferiblemente when discussing the placement of antennas.Tatoeba #4378268 by umano, translation #4435387 by LB
- Buscamos un asistente, preferiblemente alguien con experiencia.We want an assistant, preferably someone with experience.This sentence uses preferiblemente to express a preference for a candidate with experience.Tatoeba #2042150 by labatteg, translation #267196 by CK
- Preferentemente, solicitamos enviar los documentos por correo electrónico.Preferably, we request you to send the documents via email.
- Los candidatos deben tener experiencia previa en ventas, de preferencia en el sector de la tecnología.Candidates should have previous sales experience, preferably in the technology sector.
- Podemos encontrarnos en el parque mañana, preferiblemente a las 4 de la tarde.We can meet at the park tomorrow, preferably at 4 p.m.
- Necesitamos un coche pequeño, preferiblemente de color azul.We need a small car, preferably blue.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a plan for their weekend trip.
- Daniel¿A qué hora quieres salir el sábado?What time do you want to leave on Saturday?
- ElenaPreferiblemente por la mañana, para evitar el tráfico.Preferably in the morning, to avoid traffic.
- DanielDe acuerdo, salgamos a las ocho.Alright, let's leave at eight.
- ElenaPerfecto, así aprovecharemos mejor el día.Perfect, that way we will make better use of the day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “preferably” translations and entries preferiblemente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries preferiblemente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
