preferential

American  

[pref-uh-ren-shuhl] / ˌprɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /

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.

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preferential British  

/ ˌprɛfəˌrɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ, ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. showing or resulting from preference

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

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Other Word Forms

• nonpreferential adjective
• nonpreferentialism noun
• nonpreferentially adverb
• preferentialism noun
• preferentialist noun
• preferentiality noun
• preferentially adverb
• quasi-preferential adjective
• quasi-preferentially adverb

Etymology

Origin of preferential

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

Example Sentences

The perks include things like cash vouchers, priority entrance to universities and access to foreign currency at preferential rates or cheap loans.

From The Wall Street Journal

SpaceX is considering preferential treatment for investors in other Musk companies and unusual lockup times for early shareholders.

From The Wall Street Journal

The crackdown has reignited the debate over a longstanding practice in Detroit, where automakers have encouraged employees to spend paychecks on their vehicles—with preferential parking as a perk.

From The Wall Street Journal

The crackdown has reignited the debate over a longstanding practice in Detroit, where automakers have encouraged employees to spend their paychecks on company-made vehicles—with preferential parking as a perk.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under normal circumstances, the jointly stored crude is commercially used, but in the event of an emergency, Japanese oil companies have preferential purchasing rights.

From Barron's

Related Words

• advantageous
• preferred