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.

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preferential British  

/ ˌprɛfəˌrɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ, ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. showing or resulting from preference

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

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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

The perks include things like cash vouchers, priority entrance to universities and access to foreign currency at preferential rates or cheap loans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Under normal circumstances, the jointly stored crude is commercially used, but in the event of an emergency, Japanese oil companies have preferential purchasing rights.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 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

Cuba probably will be open to an expanded private sector role and offering U.S. firms preferential access, said Ricardo Torres, an economist at American University.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

“But Elena, you could have gotten preferential treatment,” said Mrs. Rimas.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys

Related Words

• advantageous
• preferred