preferential

adjective pref·er·en·tial \ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl\

: giving an advantage to a particular person or group

Full Definition of PREFERENTIAL

: showing preference

: employing or creating a preference in trade relations

: designed to permit expression of preference among candidates <a preferential primary>

: giving preference especially in hiring to union members <a preferential shop>

— pref·er·en·tial·ly \-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

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1849

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