WordGarden.iopreference
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈɛfrəns/
US
- /ˈprɛfərəns/
Meanings
Noun
a greater liking or choice of one thing over another
a saved user setting or chosen option in software
priority or special advantage given to one person, group, or claim
Beyond the definition
Everyone has preferences - those little (or big) things we like more than others. If you like chocolate more than vanilla, that is a preference. It is about leaning toward something, or liking one thing more than another. You might talk about your preference for a kind of music, a certain restaurant, or even the way you spend your free time. Sometimes these likes are strong and easy to see, and sometimes they are quiet. Understanding someone's preferences can help you get along better with them, because knowing what they like makes it easier to choose well for them.
Preference refers to a feeling of liking something more than other things, or to choosing one thing over another. It is about leaning toward certain options because of personal taste, experience, or values. For example, "She has a preference for historical novels" means she enjoys reading them more than other kinds of books.
While "preference" is a noun, it is closely linked to the verb "prefer." As a noun, it names the liking or priority itself ("His musical preferences are varied"). When we want to describe the action of liking one thing more, we use the verb form ("I prefer tea to coffee").
Preferences are not always about what is best in a general sense - they are about what a person likes best. Someone might have a preference for a certain color even if other people do not like it as much. Preferences can be shaped by culture, upbringing, habit, or simple personal taste.
In areas like customer service or design, understanding user preferences is important. Companies often study consumer preferences so they can create products and services people will enjoy. In social situations, respecting someone's preferences shows care and helps people feel comfortable. ("Please let me know your dietary preferences when you come over for dinner.")
So whether it is a simple liking for a certain flavor or a deeper view about what makes life good, preference helps explain individual tastes and choices.
Examples
- 1
Drink choice
I have a slight preference for tea over coffee.
- 2
Restaurant choice
Do you have a preference, or should I choose the restaurant?
- 3
Work routine
His preference is to work early in the morning.
- 4
Wedding planning
We asked guests about their food preferences before the wedding.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
School admission
The school gives preference to children who live nearby.
- Patterngive preference to + person/group
choose or treat as more important
- 6
Apartment choice
She chose the cheaper apartment in preference to the larger one.
- Phrasein preference to
instead of another option
- 7
App settings
You can update your privacy preferences in the app.
- 8
Personal choice
It is just a matter of personal preference; either color looks fine.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- personal preference
- strong preference
- preference for
- in preference to
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- preferencenoun
Forms
- preferencespluralnoun