preferential

[pref-uh-ren-shuhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of preference.

   preferential policies.

2. showing or giving preference.

   a preferential hiring system.

3. receiving or enjoying preference, as a country in trade relations; favored.

preferential

/ ˌprɛfəˌrɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ, ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. showing or resulting from preference

2. giving, receiving, or originating from preference in international trade

Other Word Forms

• preferentialism noun
• preferentialist noun
• preferentially adverb
• nonpreferential adjective
• nonpreferentially adverb
• nonpreferentialism noun
• quasi-preferential adjective
• quasi-preferentially adverb
• preferentiality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of preferential¹

1840–50; < Medieval Latin praeferenti ( a ) preference + -al ¹

Example Sentences

But asked after Sunday's race in Singapore whether he had any concerns that Norris may be getting preferential treatment, Piastri said: "No."

From BBC

Baroness Mone, a Conservative peer at the time, used her contacts to enter the company into the "VIP lane" to get preferential access to government contracts.

From BBC

The online backlash reflects a pattern of public scrutiny and criticism in China over what is perceived as preferential treatment for foreigners, according to Giulia Interesse, an editor at business intelligence platform Asia Briefing.

From BBC

There should be no preferential treatment - every member of staff is part of the journey.

From BBC

He then signed a trade deal with Pakistan, offering the country a preferential tariff rate of 19%, along with a deal to explore the country's oil reserves.

From BBC

Related Words

• advantageous 
• preferred www.thesaurus.com