If you say that one thing is preferable to another, you mean that it is more desirable or suitable.
例句
A big earthquake a long way off is preferable to a smaller one nearby...远处发生大地震总比在附近发生小地震好。The hazards of the theatre seemed preferable to joining the family paint business...经营剧院的风险似乎比加入家族涂料产业的风险要小一些。
英汉词典释义
adj.
更好的, 更适合的, 更可取的
Health without riches is preferable to riches without health.有健康而无财富比有财富而无健康更好。
英英词典释义
Adjective
1. more desirable than another;
"coffee is preferable to tea""Danny's preferred name is `Dan'"