preferential
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or of the nature of preference.
preferential policies.
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showing or giving preference.
a preferential hiring system.
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receiving or enjoying preference, as a country in trade relations; favored.
adjective
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showing or resulting from preference
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giving, receiving, or originating from preference in international trade
Other Word Forms
- nonpreferential adjective
- nonpreferentialism noun
- nonpreferentially adverb
- preferentialism noun
- preferentialist noun
- preferentiality noun
- preferentially adverb
- quasi-preferential adjective
- quasi-preferentially adverb
Etymology
Origin of preferential
1840–50; < Medieval Latin praeferenti ( a ) preference + -al 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The crackdown has reignited the debate over a longstanding practice in Detroit, where automakers have encouraged employees to spend paychecks on their vehicles—with preferential parking as a perk.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
Perhaps the saddest was the case of a Garden Grove gas station owner who was convicted of misdemeanors for illegally giving customers preferential treatment.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
Iran generally views these countries “as neutral or friendly, giving them the best chance of preferential access,” the J.P.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026
The fund makes some 150 billion euros available in the form of preferential loans to finance joint projects in defence, the purchase of weapons or ammunition, and the development of critical infrastructure.
From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026
What else is a preferential option for the poor in medicine?
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
