Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of preferring or the state of being preferred: The act of choosing or favoring one thing or person over another.
   • Advancement or promotion to a higher position, especially in an ecclesiastical or formal office: The act of being elevated to a more important or lucrative job or rank.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • His preferment to the rank of bishop was celebrated by the entire diocese.
  • The committee's preferment of the experienced candidate was expected.
  • She sought preferment within the company through hard work and dedication.

Advanced Usage

• "Preferment of charges": (Formal/Legal) The act of formally bringing an accusation or charges against someone.
  • The court awaited the preferment of charges by the prosecutor.

Variants and Related Words

• Prefer (verb): To like or want one thing or person better than another; to choose or advance.
• Preferable (adjective): More desirable or suitable.
• Preference (noun): A greater liking for one alternative over another or others.

Synonyms

• Promotion: Advancement to a higher position or rank.
• Advancement: The process of promoting a cause or plan, or the fact of being promoted.
• Elevation: The action of raising someone to a higher position or status.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Rise by preferment": To advance in one's career through promotion or favor.
  • He rose quickly in the organization by preferment, not seniority.

Noun

1. the act of making accusations
   • preferment of charges
2. the act of preferring
   • the preferment went to the younger candidate