preferential

[ pref-uh-ren-shuhl ]

/ ˌprɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /

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See synonyms for preferential on Thesaurus.com

adjective

of, relating to, or of the nature of preference: preferential policies.

showing or giving preference: a preferential hiring system.

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

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of preferential

1840–50; <Medieval Latin praeferenti(a) preference + -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM preferential

pref·er·en·tial·ism, nounpref·er·en·tial·ist, nounpref·er·en·tial·ly, adverbnon·pref·er·en·tial, adjective

non·pref·er·en·tial·ly, adverbnon·pref·er·en·tial·ism, nounqua·si-pref·er·en·tial, adjectivequa·si-pref·er·en·tial·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use preferential in a sentence

Criminals fund political parties, shaping vote outcomes through vote buying as well as through the allocation of preferential policies and state resources after the elections.
Why India Needs a Blood Sand Awakening|Tracy Moran|February 1, 2021|Ozy
The icing on the cake here is Google’s preferential treatment of Pinterest.
Pinterest SEO guide: Eight tips for search-friendly pins|Aleh Barysevich|January 26, 2021|Search Engine Watch
The debate over preferential treatment for vaccinated people is one that’s loaded with many, many factors ranging from the behavioral to the ethical.
As vaccines roll out, businesses face a new quandary|David Meyer|January 6, 2021|Fortune
During recovery, it is also important to foster equity to avoid a privileged set of community members receiving preferential services.
Digital Technologies Will Help Build Resilient Communities After the Coronavirus Pandemic|Yolande E. Chan|September 30, 2020|Singularity Hub

Looking at the statistics more carefully, we see no evidence that Jews are admitted preferentially compared to other whites.
Quotas in the Ivy League|David Frum|February 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Wherever you like, but preferentially in an unfrequented quarter.
The Barber of Paris|Charles Paul de Kock
Such a sequence is therefore indicated preferentially in the Estimate Form, and next discussed.
Sound Military Decision|U.s. Naval War College
Preferentially, too, he was not inclined to embark in matrimony.
Aletta|Bertram Mitford
Why should emigrants on the way of civilization settle preferentially in unfertile countries?
The Catholic World; Volume I, Issues 1-6|E. Rameur

British Dictionary definitions for preferential

preferential

/ (ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl) /

adjective

showing or resulting from preference

giving, receiving, or originating from preference in international trade

Derived forms of preferential

preferentiality (ˌprɛfəˌrɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ), nounpreferentially, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

preferential

Origin of preferential

OTHER WORDS FROM preferential

Words related to preferential

How to use preferential in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for preferential

Derived forms of preferential