preference

noun

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pref·er·ence | \ ˈpre-fərn(t)s

, ˈpre-f(ə-)rən(t)s \

Definition of preference

1a : 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 offensive, see usage paragraph below : orientation sense 2b sexual preference

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Usage of Preference More Example Sentences Learn More about preference

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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 Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. — courant.com, "Community News For The Windsor Locks Edition," 9 Oct. 2020 Aides did not immediately say what the campaign’s preference might be, and the lead Biden negotiator is traveling back from Salt Lake City, after the vice presidential debate, and was not immediately engaged with the commission Thursday morning. — Will Weissert, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump vows not to participate in virtual debate with Biden after new format announced," 8 Oct. 2020 Among the important issues to consider when selecting a shade tree species are its ultimate size, growth rate, appearance, drought tolerance, soil preference and susceptibility to pests and diseases. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "Calvin Finch: How to select and best grow shade trees in your San Antonio garden," 8 Oct. 2020 Charlie Gerow, a Republican operative in Pennsylvania, said the vast improvement in GOP registration figures is directly related to enthusiasm for Trump and cannot simply be explained by voters adjusting their registration to match party preference. — David M. Drucker, Washington Examiner, "Trump campaign beating Democrats at voter registration in key states," 7 Oct. 2020 But while going barefoot might be ideal in some ways for your foot, there’s something to be said about comfort and safety — not to mention personal preference and personal needs. — NBC News, "How to find the best walking shoes," 7 Oct. 2020 There are, however, a few settings that are a bit less about quality and a bit more about personal preference. — Whitson Gordon, Wired, "5 Graphics Settings Worth Tweaking in Every PC Game," 6 Oct. 2020 But the judge has said like any other personal preference, judges need to guard against bias. — Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, "We binge-watched 15 hours of Amy Barrett's speeches. Here’s what we learned about her judicial philosophy.," 5 Oct. 2020 Sources say the Cavs' preference list is Ball, Avdija and Okoro -- in that order. — Chris Fedor, cleveland, "What is Cleveland Cavaliers' best-case scenario for 2020 NBA Draft? Hey, Chris!," 5 Oct. 2020

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.

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Last Updated

13 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preference. Accessed 13 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for preference

preference

noun

English Language Learners Definition of preference

: 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

See the full definition for preference in the English Language Learners Dictionary

preference

noun

pref·er·ence | \ ˈpre-fə-rəns

, ˈpref-rəns \

Kids Definition of preference

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.

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

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