Dictionary

preference

noun pref·er·ence \ˈpre-fərn(t)s, ˈpre-f(ə-)rən(t)s\

: 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

Full Definition of PREFERENCE

1
a :  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
:  orientation 2b <sexual preference>
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Origin of PREFERENCE

Middle English preferraunce, from Middle French preferance, from Medieval Latin praeferentia, from Latin praeferent-, praeferens, present participle of praeferre
First Known Use: 15th century

Synonym Discussion of 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>.

choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind <choice fabric>. exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste <an exquisite gold bracelet>. elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste <a sumptuous but elegant dining room>. rare suggests an uncommon excellence <rare beauty>. delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility <delicate craftsmanship>. dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate <dainty sandwiches>.

Rhymes with PREFERENCE

PREFERENCE Defined for Kids

preference

noun pref·er·ence \ˈpre-fə-rəns, ˈpref-rəns\

Definition of PREFERENCE for Kids

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.>
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