Definition

1. Noun:
   • A greater liking for one alternative over another or others: The act of preferring or the state of being preferred; a choice based on personal taste or desire.
   • A right or chance to choose: The power or opportunity to make a selection.
   • Favoring of one person, country, or thing over others, especially in business or trade: The granting of special advantages or privileges.
   • A predisposition or inclination in favor of something: A prior liking or bias.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • My preference is for tea over coffee. (I like tea more than coffee.)
  • The company gives preference to candidates with experience. (The company favors candidates with experience.)
  • She was given her preference of seats. (She was allowed to choose her seat first.)
  • He has a clear preference for classical music. (He has a strong liking for classical music.)

Advanced Usage

• "In preference to": Rather than; instead of.
  • She chose the smaller car in preference to the larger one. (She chose the smaller car rather than the larger one.)
• "Preference for": A liking or inclination towards something.
  • His preference for spicy food is well-known. (His liking for spicy food is well-known.)
• "Give/show preference to": To favor someone or something.
  • The law gives preference to local businesses. (The law favors local businesses.)

Variants and Related Words

• Prefer (verb): To like one thing or person better than another.
  • I prefer walking to driving.
• Preferential (adjective): Showing or giving preference; involving favoritism.
  • They received preferential treatment.
• Preferment (noun): Promotion or appointment to a position or office.

Synonyms

• Inclination: A tendency or preference.
• Predilection: A preference or special liking for something.
• Penchant: A strong or habitual liking for something.
• Priority: The condition of being treated as more important.

Related Phrases

• First preference: The most desired choice.
  • This university is my first preference.
• Consumer preference: The liking of one product over another by buyers.
  • Market research studies consumer preference.

Related Idioms

• Have a preference for: To like something more.
  • He has a preference for quiet evenings at home.
• By preference: Ideally; if given a choice.
  • By preference, I start work early.

Noun

1. grant of favor or advantage to one over another (especially to a country or countries in matters of international trade, such as levying duties)
2. the right or chance to choose
   • given my druthers, I'd eat cake
3. a predisposition in favor of something
   • a predilection for expensive cars
   • his sexual preferences
   • showed a Marxist orientation
4. a strong liking
   • my own preference is for good literature
   • the Irish have a penchant for blarney