preference

American  

[pref-er-uhns, pref-ruhns] / ˈprɛf ər əns, ˈprɛf rəns /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Related Words

See choice.

Other Word Forms

• nonpreference noun
• self-preference noun

Etymology

Origin of preference

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

Example Sentences

Fiber projects were also given heavy preference over satellite and fixed wireless services, even though the latter could be installed faster and at a fraction of the cost.

From The Wall Street Journal

Menus are also evolving to reflect changing preferences and tighter budgets.

From Barron's

They are then placed in a shop based on preference, grades and available seats.

From The Wall Street Journal

But when stressed or depressed, mice show no preference.

From Los Angeles Times

Changing consumer preferences are also playing a role in lower demand, but the industry has always coped with the vagaries of the market.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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