# preferential

/ˌpɹɛfɝˈɛnʃəɫ/ (US) · /pɹˌɛfəɹˈɛnʃəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/preferential
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. special treatment

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

giving or receiving an advantage or better treatment than others.

For teachers: relating to or involving the granting of a privilege or advantage to a particular person or group.

- The airline offers preferential seating to passengers who fly with them often.
- The new trade agreement provides preferential access to the domestic market for companies that meet specific environmental standards.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

### 2. voting systems

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

a way of voting where you list candidates in the order you like them.

For teachers: denoting a system of voting in which voters rank candidates in order of preference.

- The country uses a preferential voting system to choose its leaders.
- Advocates argue that preferential voting ensures the winning candidate has broader support across the electorate than a simple majority system.

## Examples

- The bank offers preferential interest rates to its loyal customers.
- Under the new trade agreement, local manufacturers receive preferential access to the regional market.
- Critics argued that the tax reform provided preferential treatment to high-income earners while failing to address the systemic inequalities faced by the working class.

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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.