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

Culinary Class Wars incorporates blind tasting so more famous chefs don’t get preferential treatment. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024

If no candidate wins 50% in the first count, a second tally determines the winner between the top two candidates, using the preferential votes cast. —Reuters, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024

If no candidate wins 50% in the first count, there is a second round between the two frontrunners, with the preferential votes of other candidates redistributed, an outcome analysts say is likely given the close nature of the election. —Reuters, NBC News, 21 Sep. 2024

Should college applicants get preferential treatment if they are related to wealthy alumni or donors? —Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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