preference

[pref-er-uhns, pref-ruhns]

noun

1. the act of preferring.

2. the state of being preferred.

3. that which is preferred; choice.

   His preference is vanilla, not chocolate.

   Synonyms: pick, selection

4. a practical advantage given to one over others.

5. a prior right or claim, as to payment of dividends or to assets upon dissolution.

6. the favoring of one country or group of countries by granting special advantages over others in international trade.

preference

/ ˈprɛfrəns, ˈprɛfərəns /

noun

1. the act of preferring

2. something or someone preferred

3. law

   1. the settling of the claims of one or more creditors before or to the exclusion of those of the others

   2. a prior right to payment, as of a dividend or share in the assets of a company in the event of liquidation

4. commerce the granting of favour or precedence to particular foreign countries, as by levying differential tariffs

Other Word Forms

• nonpreference noun
• self-preference noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of preference¹

From the Medieval Latin word praeferentia, dating back to 1595–1605. See prefer, -ence

Synonym Study

See choice.

Example Sentences

Style preferences aside, Mr. Winchester does commit a serious storytelling crime here.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"While we can't require other marketplaces to honour artists' resale preferences, we echo Olivia's call to 'do better' and have taken steps to lead by example."

Read more on BBC

For wine drinkers with mysterious preferences, I suggest a bottle of Champagne—but not an overly famous or esoteric one.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The hivemind refuses to hurt or kill any living being, states its preference for vegetarianism and merrily labors to care for the few who aren’t like them.

Read more on Salon

The details vary across accounts, but the themes are similar: late nights, late mornings, reduced ambition, minimal consumption, and a preference for privacy and virtual interactions.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• choice 
• desire 
• inclination 
• option 
• predilection 
• weakness