Preference: English Vocabulary List

to make someone feel upset, shocked, and sometimes offended about something

"The news disgusts me."

"The dirty condition of the restaurant kitchen disgusted the health inspector who immediately closed the establishment."

to avoid an activity, person, etc. because one is scared, unwilling, or not confident

"She shies away from public speaking."

"He tends to shy away from difficult conversations because he does not like conflict or confrontation."

to come to a final decision or conclusion after considering different options or possibilities

"Make up your mind now."

"You need to make up your mind soon because we cannot wait for you forever."

to tolerate something or someone unpleasant, often without complaining

"I cannot put up with this noise."

"I cannot put up with this constant noise anymore and I am going to complain to the landlord."

to consider a matter carefully before reaching a decision

"He thinks over the job offer."

"Take a few days to think over the job offer before giving them your final decision."

to consider all the known facts and details before making a final decision

"You must take account of the weather."

"The teacher took account of the students' opinions when planning the next class activity."

used to express a preference for one option over another

"I would rather stay home today."

"Given the circumstances, I would rather negotiate a better deal than accept these terms."

a person or thing responsible for making important choices or judgments, especially within an organization

"The decision maker was confident."

"As the main decision maker in the company she had to evaluate every proposal carefully."

a tendency or predisposition to favor something over other options

"Her preference was clear."

"Her preference for spicy food became obvious when she added hot sauce to every dish."

a positive feeling or preference toward someone or something, based on personal enjoyment, attraction, or approval

"Her liking for jazz grew."

"The manager has a strong liking for employees who show initiative and solve problems independently."

as a second choice or another possibility

"Alternatively you can take the train."

"Alternatively you can take the train instead of driving if you do not want to deal with traffic and parking."

as a replacement or equal in value, amount, etc.

"He ate an apple instead."

"Do not go out instead stay home and rest because you look very tired and pale today."

to act toward someone or something in a way that shows lack of respect

"Do not disrespect your elders ever."

"It is never acceptable to disrespect your elders even if you disagree with their opinions or advice."

to attract or gain interest, approval, or admiration

"The show will appeal."

"Her innovative design managed to appeal to a wide range of critics and consumers."

to seek information or advice from someone, especially before making a decision or doing something

"Consult a doctor before taking medicine."

"Before making such a big decision you should consult a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning."

to formally oppose or challenge a decision or a statement

"He contests the decision."

"The losing candidate decided to contest the election results because she suspected widespread voter fraud had occurred."

to prefer someone or something to an alternative

"I favor the blue design over red."

"The selection committee seems to favor candidates with extensive work experience over those who just graduated from university."

someone or something that one likes more among others of the same kind

"Chocolate is her favorite dessert."

"Chocolate is her favorite dessert and she always orders it when eating out at restaurants."

to choose something among other things

"She will go for the gold medal."

"The athlete decided to go for the gold medal despite suffering from a minor injury before the competition."

to choose among a group of people or things

"She picks out a nice dress."

"Can you help me pick out a birthday gift for my mother because I am not sure what she would like?"

to seek guidance, help, or advice from someone

"She turns to her friend for advice."

"When she felt lonely she would always turn to her diary and write about her feelings."

the feeling of not liking something or someone

"His dislike was obvious."

"My strong dislike for early mornings means I dread alarm clocks."

a firm decision to do something or to behave in a certain way, often made after careful consideration

"Make a resolution."

"After much deliberation, she made a firm resolution to change her career path next year."

the ability to recognize something with good quality or high standard, especially in art, style, beauty, etc., based on personal preferences

"She has taste."

"Her impeccable taste in art and interior design was evident throughout her beautifully decorated home."

the particular characteristics that are considered when evaluating something

"These are the criteria."

"The selection committee will evaluate all applications based on specific academic and extracurricular criteria."

a mental disposition or attitude that favors one option over others

"His tendency is to agree."

"She has a tendency to overthink situations, which often causes her unnecessary stress."

to make someone satisfied or happy

"Good service pleases the restaurant customers."

"The restaurant owner tries hard to please every customer who walks through the door with good food and friendly service."

as a replacement or equal in value, amount, etc.

"Stay home instead of going out."

"Stay home instead of going out because the weather is bad and there is a storm coming."

to have a strong longing or intense desire for something or someone

"I die for cake."

"He would die for a chance to see his estranged family again after so many years apart."