preferential

[ pref-uh-ren-shuhl ]

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

/ ˌprɛfəˌrɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ; ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

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

Derived Forms

• ˌpreferˈentially, adverb
• preferentiality, noun

Other Words From

• prefer·ential·ism noun
• prefer·ential·ist noun
• prefer·ential·ly adverb
• nonpref·er·ential adjective
• nonpref·er·ential·ly adverb
• nonpref·er·ential·ism noun
• quasi-prefer·ential adjective
• quasi-prefer·ential·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of preferential¹

1840–50; < Medieval Latin praeferenti ( a ) preference + -al ¹

Example Sentences

After 15 years sharing the Sports Arena with USC basketball, the NBA franchise spent the last 25 as the third tenant at Crypto.com Arena, behind the Kings and Lakers in the pecking order for preferential dates.

From Los Angeles Times

The issue of preferential admission treatment based on family status and wealth attracted renewed opposition after the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Candidates to replace him will need 100 nominations from party members to get on the ballot paper, with the contest conducted using a preferential voting system.

From BBC

Such preferential treatment attracted renewed opposition after the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

The contest will be conducted using a preferential voting system.

From BBC

Related Words

• advantageous
• preferred