# preference

/ˈpɹɛfɝəns/ (US) · /pɹˈɛfɹəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/preference
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. liking one thing more

noun · CEFR B2

a feeling of liking or wanting one person or thing more than another.

For teachers: the act of selecting or favouring one thing or person over others based on personal taste or judgment.

- The hotel asked if we had a preference for a room with a view of the sea.
- The survey revealed a strong consumer preference for organic produce, even when the price point was significantly higher than conventional alternatives.

Usage: Usually takes the preposition 'for' followed by the preferred item.

### 2. the thing chosen

noun · CEFR B2

the specific thing that you choose or like best.

For teachers: the specific object, person, or option that has been selected as the preferred choice.

- My first preference would be to travel by train rather than fly.
- If the primary candidate declines the offer, our second preference is a researcher currently based in Berlin.

### 3. special treatment

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

giving an advantage to one person or group over others.

For teachers: the state of being granted prior right or advantage; often used in legal or trade contexts regarding 'preferential' treatment.

- The company gives preference to applicants who already speak a second language.
- The trade agreement ensures that member states receive preference regarding the import of raw materials and heavy machinery.

Usage: Often appears in the phrase 'give preference to'.

### 4. to give an advantage

verb · CEFR C2 · American English · Formal · Technical

to give someone or something a better position or special treatment.

For teachers: to grant preferential treatment to a person or entity, typically in an administrative or legal capacity.

- The new policy was designed to preference local businesses during the bidding process.
- The legislation was criticised for attempting to preference domestic manufacturers at the expense of international trade relations.

Usage: This verb use is rare outside of specific legal or bureaucratic documents.

## Examples

- My preference is for tea rather than coffee.
- The application form asks if you have a preference for a morning or afternoon interview slot.
- While the committee expressed a strong preference for the original proposal, they remained open to modifications that would reduce the overall environmental impact of the construction.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.