preference

American  

[pref-er-uhns, pref-ruhns] / ˈprɛf ər əns, ˈprɛf rəns /

noun

1. the act of preferring.

2. the state of being preferred.

3. that which is preferred; choice.

   His preference is vanilla, not chocolate.

   Synonyms:

   pick, selection

4. a practical advantage given to one over others.

5. a prior right or claim, as to payment of dividends or to assets upon dissolution.

6. the favoring of one country or group of countries by granting special advantages over others in international trade.

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preference British  

/ ˈprɛfrəns, ˈprɛfərəns /

noun

1. the act of preferring

2. something or someone preferred

3. law

   1. the settling of the claims of one or more creditors before or to the exclusion of those of the others

   2. a prior right to payment, as of a dividend or share in the assets of a company in the event of liquidation

4. commerce the granting of favour or precedence to particular foreign countries, as by levying differential tariffs

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Related Words

See choice.

Other Word Forms

• nonpreference noun
• self-preference noun

Etymology

Origin of preference

From the Medieval Latin word praeferentia, dating back to 1595–1605. See prefer, -ence

Explanation

If you have a strong liking for something, you have a preference for it. You might have a preference for apples, but there are some days when you're stuck eating a banana instead. If you grant favors to one person over another, then you are showing a preference or bias. The United States often gives preference to traditional allies like Britain or Canada. In your science class, it's clear that the professor has a preference for certain students and calls on them more often. Preference also refers to a choice or the right to choose — your friend might have a strong preference for which movie you'll see tonight.

Example Sentences

This marked the beginning of Harris Norton’s preference for studio visits to gallery rounds, and personal relationships to market value.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

They reacted by sending the University of Michigan’s early-April Index of Consumer Sentiment sliding to a record low, with every demographic cohort of age, income, and political preference sounding downbeat.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

"These findings suggest that weight gain may not be due to wheat-specific effects, but rather to a strong preference for carbohydrates and the associated metabolic changes," said Professor Matsumura.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

Our investigation suggests that unsafe practices are in part driven by systemic pressures including a reliance on, and cultural preference for, injections as treatment.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

After Seymour, Zooey, the youngest boy in the family, is generally placed second in order of preference, or appeal.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

Related Words

• choice
• desire
• inclination
• option
• predilection
• weakness