preference

noun

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pref·er·ence | \ ˈpre-fərn(t)s

, ˈpre-f(ə-)rən(t)s \

Definition of preference

1a : the act of preferring : the state of being preferred

b : the power or opportunity of choosing

2 : one that is preferred

3 : the act, fact, or principle of giving advantages to some over others

4 : priority in the right to demand and receive satisfaction of an obligation

5 offensive, see usage paragraph below : orientation sense 2b sexual preference

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Usage of Preference More Example Sentences Learn More about preference

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Choose the Right Synonym for preference

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. freedom of choice option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. the option of paying now or later alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. equally attractive alternatives preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. a preference for cool weather selection implies a range of choice. a varied selection of furniture election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Examples of preference in a Sentence

Car buyers have recently shown a growing preference for smaller vehicles. When it comes to music, everyone has their own preferences. Some people like small cars and some people like big cars. It's a matter of personal preference. She listed her favorite restaurants in order of preference. He has tried not to show preference in giving out jobs. The policy of the school is to give preference to minority candidates. “We could go to an Italian or Chinese restaurant tonight. What's your preference?” “Either one is fine. I don't have a preference.”

Recent Examples on the Web The group’s analysis found that Harvard accepted Asian Americans at lower rates than any other racial group, while giving preference to Black and Hispanic students with lower grades. — Fox News, "Appeals court clears Harvard of racial bias in admissions," 12 Nov. 2020 The group's analysis found that Harvard accepted Asian Americans at lower rates than any other racial group, while giving preference to Black and Hispanic students with lower grades. — Collin Binkley, Star Tribune, "Appeals court clears Harvard of racial bias in admissions," 12 Nov. 2020 Even the simultaneously alluring, frightening, and profane sexuality of the vampire begins with Dracula, whose title character seems to have a special preference for female victims. — Jack Butler, National Review, "The Immortal Dracula," 31 Oct. 2020 Meghan has a specific preference for beige outerwear, having debuted several coats in this shade in public. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "The Coat Styles Meghan Markle Wears the Most," 6 Oct. 2020 This combination of preference for sweetness in our new food environment is a recipe for disaster for children, because more sugar and different types of sugar can disrupt the process of healthy growth and development. — Popular Science, "Have no fear—healthy Halloween ideas are here," 30 Oct. 2020 Under the ranked voting system, voters can rank all candidates in order of preference on their ballots. — David Sharp, Star Tribune, "Collins, Gideon clash in final debate before Election Day," 28 Oct. 2020 In this context, cooking on a gas stove is not a matter of individual preference. — Sabrina Imbler, The Atlantic, "How Bad Are Gas Stoves, Really?," 15 Oct. 2020 According to the city, that policy has since been revised with no mention of a preference for affordable senior housing. — Brayden Garcia, Dallas News, "Arlington discriminated against families with children in affordable housing policy, HUD claims," 12 Oct. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preference.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

18 Nov 2020

Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preference. Accessed 20 Nov. 2020.

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More Definitions for preference

preference

noun

English Language Learners Definition of preference

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

: an advantage that is given to some people or things and not to others

: something that is liked or wanted more than another thing : something that is preferred

See the full definition for preference in the English Language Learners Dictionary

preference

noun

pref·er·ence | \ ˈpre-fə-rəns

, ˈpref-rəns \

Kids Definition of preference

1 : a choosing of or special liking for one person or thing rather than another or others Buyers are showing a preference for small cars.

2 : the power or chance to choose : choice I gave him his preference.

3 : a person or thing that is liked or wanted more than another My preference is to travel by train.

preference

noun

pref·er·ence | \ ˈpre-frəns, -fə-rəns

Legal Definition of preference

1 : the right to prior payment of a debt with preference over the creditors of the heirs or legatees — Louisiana Civil Code

2 : the transfer of an insolvent debtor's interest in property to a creditor for an earlier debt that gives the creditor more than the creditor would otherwise receive (as under a bankruptcy settlement)

— called also voidable preference

— compare antecedent debt at debt, fraudulent conveyance, general assignment at assignment

Note: Preferences can be voided by a bankruptcy trustee because they diminish the bankruptcy estate out of which other creditors will be paid. Preferences must be made during a period (as 90 days before the date of filing a bankruptcy petition) established by bankruptcy law in order to be voidable. Perfection or grant of a security interest during this period is also a preference. The bankruptcy law states exceptions under which payments to creditors are not voidable preferences.

3 : priority

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