preference

[ˈprɛf(ə)rəns]

preference Definition

• 1. a greater liking for one alternative over another or others
• 2. the right or chance to choose
• 3. a prior right or precedence, especially in connection with the payment of debts

Using preference: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "preference" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I have a preference for spicy food.

• Example

  She expressed a strong preference for the blue dress.

• Example

  The company gives preference to candidates with experience.

• Example

  He has a preference for classical music.

preference Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for preference

• liking
• fondness
• partiality
• predilection
• inclination

Antonyms for preference

• dislike
• aversion
• unwillingness

Idioms Using preference

• a matter of preference

  a subjective choice based on personal taste or opinion

  Example

  Whether to use a PC or a Mac is a matter of preference.

• show a preference for

  to demonstrate a liking or inclination towards something

  Example

  The child showed a preference for playing with blocks over dolls.

• have no preference

  to not have a particular liking or inclination towards something

  Example

  I have no preference for which restaurant we go to tonight.

Phrases with preference

• preference shares

  shares in a company that entitle the holder to a fixed dividend and priority over ordinary shareholders in the event of liquidation

  Example

  The company issued preference shares to raise capital.

• preference deal

  an agreement between political parties to support each other's policies or candidates

  Example

  The two parties made a preference deal to increase their chances of winning the election.

• preference center

  a feature on websites that allows users to customize their preferences for receiving emails or other communications

  Example

  The website's preference center lets users choose which types of emails they want to receive.

Origins of preference

from Old French 'preferance', from Latin 'praeferentia', from 'praeferre' meaning 'to carry in front, prefer'

📌

Summary: preference in Brief

The term 'preference' [ˈprɛf(ə)rəns] refers to a greater liking for one alternative over another or others. It can also mean the right or chance to choose, or a prior right or precedence. Examples include 'I have a preference for spicy food,' and 'The company gives preference to candidates with experience.' Idioms like 'a matter of preference' denote subjective choices, while 'show a preference for' means demonstrating a liking or inclination.