preferential
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or of the nature of preference.
preferential policies.
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showing or giving preference.
a preferential hiring system.
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receiving or enjoying preference, as a country in trade relations; favored.
adjective
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showing or resulting from preference
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giving, receiving, or originating from preference in international trade
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of preferential
1840–50; < Medieval Latin praeferenti ( a ) preference + -al 1
Explanation
Something that's preferential gives one person or group a big advantage over others. If your soccer coach never makes you sit on the bench and always hands you the first Gatorade, she gives you preferential treatment. Giving preferential treatment or having a preferential attitude shows that you are partial to one person or group of people. And if you act in a preferential way, it gives the person you prefer an advantage over everyone else. Preferential treatment could include giving one party guest the first pick of party favors, or a state government giving one school district more money than other schools.
Vocabulary lists containing preferential
Unequal: A Story of America
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Novel Study: Long Walk to Freedom, Parts Eight–Eleven
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The US felt that there is need for there to be a preferential treatment in the use of critical minerals. And the framework was to reflect that," he added.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
Some physicians expressed concerns about the need to protect patient trust, avoid coercion and prevent preferential treatment for wealthy donors.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
“The productivity advantages, supported by preferential trade and investment with Mexico and Canada under the USMCA, remain critical,” NAM says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026
David Sanchez, a composer and orchestra director, is accused of receiving preferential treatment in obtaining a public-sector job.
From Barron's ● Jun. 20, 2026
Often they would lay aside the tastiest morsels for the warders in exchange for favors or preferential treatment.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
