- 1[uncountable, singular] preference (for somebody/something) a greater interest in or desire for someone or something than someone or something else It's a matter of personal preference. Many people expressed a strong preference for the original plan. I can't say that I have any particular preference. Let's make a list of possible speakers, in order of preference.
- 2[countable] a thing that is liked better or best a study of consumer preferences Thesauruschoice
- favorite
- preference
- selection
- pick
- choice a person or thing that is chosen:She's the best choice for the job.
- favorite a person or thing that you like more than the others of the same type:Which one's your favorite?
- preference a thing that is liked better or best:Would you like Italian or Chinese? I don't have a preference.
- Your favorites are the things you like best, and that you have, do, listen to, etc. often; your preferences are the things that you would rather have or do if you have a choice.
- selection a number of people or things that have been chosen from a larger group:A selection of readers' comments are published below.
- pick (somewhat informal) a person or thing that is chosen:Who's your pick for best actress this year?
- somebody's choice/favorite/pick for something
- somebody's choice/selection/pick as something
- an obvious choice/favorite/preference/selection
- a(n) excellent/good/popular/fine choice/selection
Idioms
to treat someone or something in a way that gives them an advantage over other people or things Preference will be given to graduates of this university.
rather than someone or something She was chosen in preference to her sister.
Check pronunciation: preference