preference
10 synonyms for preference, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A liking for one thing over another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use preference
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a preference for
personal preference
give preference to
Etymology
From Middle French preference, from Medieval Latin preferentia — built from prefer plus -ence.
Full origin of preference →Frequently asked questions
What does “preference” mean?
The word “preference” means a liking for one thing over another. In plain terms, a liking or choice for one option, or the favorable treatment given based on that choice.
How do you pronounce “preference”?
“Preference” is pronounced PREHFRNS (/ˈpɹɛf(ə)ɹ(ə)ns/ in IPA).
How do you use “preference” in a sentence?
Here is “preference” used in a sentence: “What's your preference — window seat or aisle?”
What is another word for “preference”?
Words with a similar meaning to “preference” include forechoice.
What part of speech is “preference”?
“Preference” is a noun.
Where does the word “preference” come from?
The word “preference” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle French preference, from Medieval Latin preferentia — built from prefer plus -ence.
Is “preference” a common word?
“Preference” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “preference” have?
“Preference” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a liking for one thing over another.
Does "preference" take "for" or "to"?
You normally express a preference "for" something ("a preference for tea over coffee"). The set phrase "in preference to" is also correct and means "rather than," as in "she took the train in preference to flying."
What is the difference between a "preference" and a "choice"?
A preference is what you like better, even if you never act on it, while a choice is the actual decision you make. You can have a preference for one option but make a different choice for practical reasons.
What is the difference between "preference" and "priority"?
A preference is simply what you would rather have, whereas a priority is what must be dealt with first because of its importance. Something can be a low priority even when it is your strong preference.
