preferential

American  

[pref-uh-ren-shuhl] / ˌprɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /

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 British  

/ ˌprɛfəˌrɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ, ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. showing or resulting from preference

2. 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

A BOP spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the bureau does not discuss conditions of confinement or security procedures and that employee standards of conduct prohibit staff from giving any prisoners preferential treatment.

From Salon

The lord advocate said the memo had not been requested by the government and insisted ministers had not been granted "preferential access".

From BBC

In a society designed for couples — who get preferential treatment on things like cruise vacations and income taxes — you have found your niche.

From MarketWatch

Romero is said to be more difficult to manage around the club's training centre, and it is claimed some players felt the Argentine has been afforded preferential treatment.

From BBC

In exchange, Bangladesh has agreed to provide "significant preferential market access" to a host of American agricultural and industrial goods.

From BBC

Related Words

• advantageous
• preferred