preference
PREHFRNS
Preference (noun) means a liking for one thing over another. Example: “I have no strong preference about where we eat tonight.”
noun
1
A liking for one thing over another.
"I have no strong preference about where we eat tonight."
"What's your preference — window seat or aisle?"
"The restaurant can accommodate most dietary preferences."
2
Special or favorable treatment given to someone or something.
"Season ticket holders get preference when new tickets go on sale."
"The shop gives preference to customers who ordered in advance."
"Local applicants were given preference for the community grants."
How to use preference
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA liking or choice for one option, or the favorable treatment given based on that choice.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a preference for
personal preference
give preference to
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Word forms
- Plural
- preferences
- Third person singular
- preferences
- Past tense
- preferenced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I have no strong _____ about where we eat tonight.
Etymology
From Middle French preference, from Medieval Latin preferentia — built from prefer plus -ence.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for preference
See all rhymes for 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.
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