preference

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noun pref·er·ence \ ˈpre-fərn(t)s , ˈpre-f(ə-)rən(t)s \

Definition of preference

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 :orientation 2b

sexual preference

See preference defined for English-language learners

See preference defined for kids

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 of preference from the Web

Higher prices of coke -- which is made from coking coal and fed into furnaces to produce iron and remove impurities -- may also be boosting a preference for better quality ore.

— jasmine ng, Bloomberg.com, "How Iron Ore's Most Valuable Lessons Come From Grade School," 30 Aug. 2017
The commission suggested limiting preferences for the extended family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who could previously apply for a visa under the 1965 Immigration Act, and basing entry entry on job skills.

— priscilla alvarez, The Atlantic, "Can a Decades-Old Immigration Proposal Pass Under Trump?," 21 Aug. 2017
Fans will now have the option to vote between Golden Mint and Smoky Quartz depending on their strobing preferences — and whichever one comes out on top could easily become the next Champagne Pop.

— sarah wu, Teen Vogue, "Becca Cosmetics Announces Instagram Contest for Next Highlighter," 16 Aug. 2017
These political preferences are so entrenched by now that even massive Russian interference, or any other major event, is not likely to fundamentally alter the outcome of the elections.

— chicagotribune.com, "Russian hackers can't beat German democracy," 4 Aug. 2017
The Queen’s cousin, Margaret Rhodes, told The Independent her drink preferences never change.

— megan friedman, Town & Country, "The Queen Apparently Has Four Cocktails Every Day," 31 July 2017
Compared with the results of the national exit polls measuring voter preferences in last year’s election, the ABC/Washington Post survey found more erosion for Republicans among women than among men.

— ronald brownstein, The Atlantic, "Where Republicans Are Losing Ground," 19 July 2017
Qatar is heavily economically dependent on Saudi Arabia but, unlike other Gulf nations, has often refused to march lock-step with Riyadh's preferences.

— chicagotribune.com, "Qatar pulls the human rights card in Washington PR blitz," 12 July 2017
Large carnivorous theropods probably had a preference for young victims.

— brian switek, Scientific American Blog Network, "Nothing but the Tooth," 10 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of preference

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1673

See Words from the same year

preference Synonyms

Synonyms

darling, fave, minion, pet, favorite, speed

Antonyms

aversion, disfavor, disgust, dislike, distaste, hatred, loathing, mislike

Related Words

beloved, dear, sweetheart; jewel, prize, treasure

Near Antonyms

abomination, anathema, bête noire, bugbear

Synonym Discussion of 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

PREFERENCE Defined for English Language Learners

preference

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noun

Definition of preference for English Language Learners

: 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

PREFERENCE Defined for Kids

preference

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noun pref·er·ence \ ˈpre-fə-rəns , ˈpref-rəns \

Definition of preference for Students

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.

Law Dictionary

preference

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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