Reading Theme:
Preference Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：favor something (preference)
preference
/ˈpref.ər.əns/
n.
It means what you like more when you have choices, like choosing chocolate over vanilla ice cream.
favor something
➕
/ˈfeɪ.vɚ ˈsʌm.θɪŋ/
n.
A greater liking or desire for one alternative over another or others.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'praeferre' (prae- 'before' + ferre 'to carry'), meaning to carry or put before others.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine PREFERRING the ice cream you put FIRST (pre-) in front of you. Preference = putting something first in your favor.
📖 Example
When ordering, she expressed a clear preference for the grilled fish over the fried chicken, saying it was healthier.
When ordering, she clearly favored the grilled fish over the fried chicken, stating it was a healthier choice.
🔗 Collocations
express a preference for – to clearly state what one likes or wants more
have a preference for – to like or want one thing more than another
personal preference – a choice based on an individual's own likes and dislikes
🔄 Synonyms
liking (n.) – A feeling of enjoyment or attraction towards something.
partiality (n.) – An unfair bias or special fondness for one person or thing over another.
predilection (n.) – A special or established preference for something; a predisposition in favor of something.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
prefer (v.) – To like or want one thing or person better than another.
📖 Cultural Story
Originating in 15th-century legal and financial contexts from Anglo-French, it described a right to prior payment. This 'priority' sense remains strong in bankruptcy and commercial law today.
Meaning 2：priority in payment (preference)
preference
/ˈpref.ər.əns/
n.
It means having the right to be dealt with or paid before others, especially for money owed.
priority in payment
➕
/praɪˈɒr.ə.ti ɪn ˈpeɪ.mənt/
n.
A prior right or advantage, especially the right to be paid before other creditors.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the company's bankruptcy, employees' unpaid wages were given preference over payments to regular suppliers.
In the company's bankruptcy, employees' unpaid wages were given priority over payments to regular suppliers.
🔗 Collocations
give preference to – to give someone or something priority over others
creditor preference – the legal priority given to certain creditors in debt repayment
🔄 Synonyms
priority (n.) – The condition of being treated or dealt with before others; precedence in order or importance.
precedence (n.) – The condition of being more important than something else and therefore coming or being dealt with first.
🚫 Antonyms
subordination (n.) – The state of being lower in rank, position, or priority.
🌱 Derivatives
preferential (adj.) – Showing or giving preference to a person or group; involving an advantage.
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