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

She listed her favorite restaurants in order of preference.

b

: the power or opportunity of choosing

gave them their preference

2

: one that is preferred

We could drive there, but my preference is to walk.

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 (that is, whether a person is bisexual, straight, gay, pansexual, etc.) is widely considered offensive in its implied suggestion that a person can choose who they are sexually or romantically attracted to.

Synonyms of preference

• favorite

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

Soon after my arrival, our experienced local guide Jorge rolled out the big map and planned the perfect itinerary for our short stay, catering to our preferences and skill level. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark told On3 that 24 is their strong preference. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026

Each one comes with an assortment of loose faux-flower bunches that can be custom-arranged and tweaked to your preference. —Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 13 May 2026

If the Nets want the guard who most neatly bridges their physical preferences and their need for more creation, Brown has a strong case. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026

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

• in preference to
• sexual preference

Rhymes for preference

• deference
• reference

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