preference

noun

pref·​er·​ence

ˈpre-fərn(t)s,

ˈpre-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

1

a

: 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

Usage of Preference

The term preference as used to refer to sexual orientation is widely considered offensive in its implied suggestion that a person can choose who they are sexually or romantically attracted to.

Synonyms

• darling
• fave
• favorite
• minion
• pet
• speed

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.”

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Recent Examples on the Web

This preference is more popular amongst Millennials (67%) compared to Boomers (37%). —Gary Drenik, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023

That preference was on display in August last year, when the KMT’s Hsia visited China amid lingering tensions over Pelosi’s visit. —Bloomberg.com, 7 Feb. 2023

The preference for skin tone appearance is different, also between cultures. —Lloyd Alter, Treehugger, 25 Jan. 2023

The policy also led to abortions of female fetuses, abandonment and even infanticide due to the preference for sons, and the ratio between men and women eventually began to skew. —David A. Andelman, CNN, 23 Jan. 2023

As in the Maverick case, the plaintiffs in Brackeen v. Haaland claim the preference is based on race, rather than the political sovereignty of tribal nations. —Karina Brown, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Jan. 2023

The preference for remote work was especially salient for women of color, LGBT women, or women with disabilities. —Bytristan Bove, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2023

Revelations include insights into the Italian’s early preference for painting on used canvases and the identification of late canvases all cut from the same bolt of cloth. —Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 29 Dec. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English preferraunce, from Middle French preferance, from Medieval Latin praeferentia, from Latin praeferent-, praeferens, present participle of praeferre

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing preference

• sexual preference
• in preference to

• sexual preference
• in preference to

Kids Definition

preference

noun

pref·​er·​ence ˈpref-ərn(t)s 

ˈpref-(ə-)rən(t)s

1

a

: the act of preferring

b

: the state of being preferred

2

: the power or opportunity of choosing

gave him his preference

3

: one that is preferred : favorite

my preference is soul music

4

: the act of giving advantages to some over others

show preference in giving out jobs

Legal Definition

preference

noun

pref·​er·​ence ˈpre-frəns, -fə-rəns 

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