prefer vs pay

prefer is not a noun while pay is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
prefer	No	No	Yes	No
pay	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, pay is a hypernym of prefer; that is, pay is a word with a broader meaning than prefer:

prefer (noun)	pay (noun)
	something that remunerates

prefer (verb)	pay (verb)
select as an alternative over another	dedicate
like better; value more highly	bear (a cost or penalty), in recompense for some action
promote over another	convey, as of a compliment, regards, attention, etc.; bestow
give preference to one creditor over another	give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
	bring in
	do or give something to somebody in return
	cancel or discharge a debt
	make a compensation for
	discharge or settle
	render
	be worth it