preference

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

|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: preference in a Sentence

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

The result is a trove of information and inferences about people’s conduct and preferences that can be used by faceless entities in ways that might affect anything from the price of credit to the availability of insurance.

— john rothchild, Scientific American, "New European Rules May Give US Internet Users True Privacy Choices for the First Time," 15 June 2018
According to Shipt, members can note preferences, choose a one-hour delivery window and pay for their order, all within the app.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Make a Target run from the couch. Same-day delivery starts in Cincinnati," 15 June 2018
All that said, my preference is the alignment that best serves the most West Hollywood residents, workers, and visitors.

— neal broverman, Los Angeles Magazine, "Where Should WeHo’s Rail Line Go?," 13 June 2018
Maine voters were the nation's first to use a new voting system in a statewide election letting them rank candidates by preference rather than choosing just one.

— john whitesides, The Christian Science Monitor, "Pro-Trump challenger topples Rep. Mark Sanford in South Carolina primary," 13 June 2018
My own preference would be for the Fed to use monetary policy to prevent sharp moves in measured inflation.

— martin feldstein, WSJ, "The Fed Can’t Save Jobs From AI and Robots," 10 June 2018
The best way to figure out your preference would be to figure out which IPA style goes best with your tastebuds.

— mahita gajanan, Time, "How to Talk About Beer Like a Pro on National Beer Day," 7 Apr. 2018
My preference is the 1959 picture but all three have amazing chariot-race sequences.

— glenn kenny, New York Times, "From ‘Ben-Hur’ to ‘Hop,’ Slim Pickings From the Easter Bunny’s Basket," 30 Mar. 2018
Their preference was to wait until the 17th day of the season, which would have delayed the start of Lucchesi’s service time clock while potentially truncating his season by just two starts.

— kevin acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres prospect Joey Lucchesi to make major league debut Friday," 29 Mar. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

preference Synonyms

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

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

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

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