Does using the word “prefer” contain an implication of “necessity”?

Question

I would prefer you come in and not your friend to get the signature.

Above is the sentence in the email I received from my supervisor. I was in another city so I had no choice but to ask my friend to get the signature for me. When my friend came to see her this morning, she seemed angry and repeat the word "prefer" again.

I was just wondering that if the word 'Prefer' could have the meaning of 'necessity'? And if so, how can I tell?

Answer 1

If it is a person of authority, he/she's "preference" would mean a little more than the general meaning. Any person in authority's desires naturally carry weight, and are to be obeyed. (Remember,"you slightest wish is my command." is said to a king.)

e.g. (this is by AJ01) "I suggest that you have that report on my desk Monday morning."

That's the reason your teacher was a little upset.

Answer 2

Sometimes "prefer" is used as a euphemism for a demand, primarily by people in a position of power. The implication is that your supervisor doesn't need to order you get the signature yourself because you respect the supervisor's preferences so much.

It's probably a safe assumption that a person who uses "prefer" this way sometimes with subordinates uses it this way all the time with subordinates. With other people in a position of authority, it depends on the specific person and the specific relationship, but when someone in a position of power states a "preference", it's always a good idea to consider the possibility that they mean something more forceful.