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preferential

[ pref-uh-ren-shuh l ]
/ ˌprɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /
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SEE MORE 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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RELATED WORDS

either, conversely

Nearby words

preferably, preference, preference share, preference shares, preference stock, preferential, preferential shop, preferential voting, preferentially, preferment, preferred lie

Origin of preferential

1840–50; < Medieval Latin praeferenti(a) preference + -al1
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for preferentially

  • Preferentially, too, he was not inclined to embark in matrimony.

    Aletta|Bertram Mitford

  • Wherever you like, but preferentially in an unfrequented quarter.

    The Barber of Paris|Charles Paul de Kock

British Dictionary definitions for preferentially

preferential

/ (ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl) /

adjective

showing or resulting from preference
giving, receiving, or originating from preference in international trade
Derived Formspreferentiality (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

Word Origin and History for preferentially

preferential

adj.

1805, from Medieval Latin preferentia, from Latin praeferre (see prefer) + -al (1).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper