What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preferential
Example
The company offered preferential treatment to its long-term employees. [preferential: adjective]
Example
I have a preferential option for spicy food. [preferential: noun]
privileged
Example
She grew up in a privileged household and had access to the best education. [privileged: adjective]
Example
As a member of the royal family, he enjoys many privileges that others do not. [privileges: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Privileged is more commonly used than preferential in everyday language, but both words are used in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preferential and privileged?
Preferential is more formal than privileged, and is often used in legal or business settings to describe specific advantages or treatments given to individuals or groups. Privileged is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a person or group with special rights or advantages.
