preferential

adjective

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

1

: showing preference

2

: employing or creating a preference in trade relations

3

: designed to permit expression of preference among candidates

a preferential primary

4

: giving preference especially in hiring to union members

a preferential shop

preferentially

ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of preferential in a Sentence

powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians

Recent Examples on the Web

Listen to this article An outside investigation found Colorado Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Schaefer did not give preferential treatment to an agent who used a racist slur, even though the two were close friends. —Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2025

Even with decades-old legacy preferences now in question, and more schools ending that practice of giving preferential treatment to children of alumni, privilege is still evident in admissions. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025

This preferential voting method is intended to reflect a consensus choice, ensuring that the winning film resonates broadly across the diverse Academy membership. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025

The preferential ballot means a film’s best chance at winning depends on which movies get eliminated first — those with the fewest No. 1 votes. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for preferential

• consequential
• deferential
• evidential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential
• penitential
• precedential
• presidential
• providential
• referential

Kids Definition

preferential

adjective

pref·​er·​en·​tial ˌpref-ə-ˈren-chəl 

1

: of or relating to preference

2

: showing preference

preferential treatment

3

: creating or using preference in trading

4

: permitting the showing of order of preference (as of candidates in an election)

a preferential ballot

preferentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

Legal Definition

preferential

adjective

pref·​e·​ren·​tial ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl 

1

: of or constituting a preference

a preferential transfer

2

: giving preference to union members especially in hiring

a preferential shop

3

: showing preference

these creditors may obtain preferential treatment