preferment

[ pri-fur-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of preferring.
2. the state of being preferred.
3. advancement or promotion, especially in the church.
4. a position or office affording social or pecuniary advancement.

preferment

/ prɪˈfɜːmənt /

noun

1. the act of promoting or advancing to a higher position, office, etc
2. the state of being preferred for promotion or social advancement
3. the act of preferring

Word History and Origins

Origin of preferment¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; prefer, -ment

Example Sentences

It would be a misfortune if the impression were created that preferment to the episcopal bench was confined to High Churchmen.

From Project Gutenberg

You won't keep him long, you know, for Puffin's a man certain of good preferment.

From Project Gutenberg

Under the latter he was deprived of his preferment in Oxford, and under a harsher rule might have incurred yet graver penalties.

From Project Gutenberg

In November, 1561, his preferment was announced, and almost immediately afterwards the news was contradicted on authority.

From Project Gutenberg

"And my partial little daughter had the bestowal of such preferment and titles," he added laughingly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• advance
• advancement
• change
• development
• enhancement
• gain
• growth
• increase
• progress
• recovery
• renovation
• revision
• rise
• upgrade