preference
gb/pɹˈɛfɚəns/ us/pɹˈɛfɚəns/
B1
English
~ 2700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A stronger liking for one choice
When you like one thing more than another.
Usage pattern:
a preference for [something] over [something else]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'preference' with 'priority'. 'Preference' is about liking something more, while 'priority' is about importance or urgency.
Synonyms
liking (A general word for enjoying something, without necessarily comparing it to alternatives.)
|
inclination (Slightly more formal; suggests a tendency or leaning toward something.)
Antonyms
dislike (The opposite feeling of not enjoying or favoring something.)
|
aversion (A stronger and more formal word for a strong dislike.)
Collocations
personal preference
|express a preference
|show a preference
|have a preference
|strong preference
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|decision making
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has a clear preference for tea over coffee.
- The job requires someone with no preference for working alone or in a team.
- My preference is to start the meeting early in the morning.
- He expressed a preference for staying at home rather than going out.
- Different cultures have different food preferences.
Learner examples
- I have a preference for red shirts.
- She shows a preference for sweet food.
- We have no preference about where to eat.
- He has a strong preference for quiet places.
Grammar
Dictionary form
preference
IPA
GB/pɹˈɛfɚəns/
US/pɹˈɛfɚəns/
Syllables & stress
pref - er - ence (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pref)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: preference
- Plural: preference, preferences
Word family
Forms
preferences
noun
Core family
Advanced or less common
preferential
adjective
preferentially
adverb
Expressions
express a preference
1/ɪkspɹˈɛs ə pɹˈɛfɚəns/
fixed phrase
State what you like more
To say which thing you like more.
Examples
- Please express your preference before we make a decision.
- She expressed a preference for working from home.
personal preference
1/pˈɚsənəl pɹˈɛfɚəns/
fixed phrase
Someone's own choice or taste
What one person likes more than other things.
Examples
- Whether you choose blue or green is just a matter of personal preference.
- The menu offers many options to suit personal preferences.
show a preference
1/ʃˈoʊ ə pɹˈɛfɚəns/
fixed phrase
Act in a way that shows liking
To act in a way that makes it clear you like something more.
Examples
- He shows a preference for classical music in his playlists.
- The teacher should not show a preference for any student.