An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To like better or value more highly.

Etymology (EN): M.E. preferre, from O.Fr. preferer and directly from L. praeferre “to place or set before, carry in front,” from prae “before,” → pre-, + ferre “to carry, to bear,” from PIE root *bher- “to carry;” cf. Pers. bordan “to carry, bear,” → refer.

Etymology (PE): Behzunidan, literally “to value highly, to consider better,” from beh “good, fine,” → optimum,

• zun, variant of dân-, dânestan “to know, consider,” cf. Tâti zun/zund “to know,” Khunsâri zûn-/zûnâ, Mahallâti zôn-, Semnâni -zûn-, Hamedâni zunayän/zun- , Esfahâni zunän/zun-, Yarandi zônâj-/zôn-, Gazi zûn-/zûnâšt;
  Av. zān- “to know,” → science.