English Explanatory Dictionary

preference

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The selection of one thing or person over others (with the main adposition being "for" in relation to the thing or person, but possibly also "of")
  2. The option to so select, and the one selected.
  3. The state of being preferred over others.
  4. A strong liking or personal valuation.
  5. A preferential bias; partiality; discrimination.
verb
  1. To give preferential treatment to; to give a preference to.
noun
  1. Preferans, a card game, principally played in Eastern Europe.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɹɛf(ə)ɹ(ə)ns/ /ˈpɹɛf(ə)ɹɛns/ en-us-preference.ogg

Word forms

preference preferences preferencing preferenced

Etymology

From Middle French preference, from Medieval Latin preferentia. Doublet of preferans. Morphologically prefer + -ence.

Synonyms

forechoice druthers predilection

Related words

preferences

Derived words

affectional preference depreference dispreference enantiopreference in preference to isopreference nonpreference photopreference preference cascade preference share preference stock preferendum revealed preference sexual preference stereopreference subpreference thermopreference time preference
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