n.
Pronunciation: ' pre-f ə rn(t)s, ' pre-f( ə -)r ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English preferraunce, from Middle French preferance, from Medieval Latin praeferentia, from Latin praeferent-, praeferens, present participle of praeferre
Date: 15th century
1 a : the act of preferring : the state of being preferred b : the power or opportunity of choosing
2 : one that is preferred
3 : the act, fact, or principle of giving advantages to some over others
4 : priority in the right to demand and receive satisfaction of an obligation
5 : ORIENTATION 2B <sexual preference >
synonyms see CHOICE