To choose; to select as an alternative to another.
To like better; to value more highly.
select as an alternative; choose instead; prefer as an alternative; "I always choose the fish over the meat courses in this restaurant"; "She opted for the job on the East coast"
like better; value more highly; "Some people prefer camping to staying in hotels"; "We prefer sleeping outside"
give preference to one creditor over another; in law
promote over another
promote over another; "he favors his second daughter"
