What does preferential mean?
Preferential means that one person, group, thing, or option is favoured over another, or that something is arranged according to a particular preference. The word commonly appears in discussions of preferential treatment, preferential access, and preferential allocation, where it describes benefits or opportunities granted on the basis of status, membership, or a stated priority. In international trade, it has a more technical meaning: a preferential tariff is a reduced or specially favourable rate offered to particular trading partners. The term is formal and can carry a negative implication when the preference is seen as unfair or discriminatory. It is related etymologically to prefer and preference, all of which come from Latin praeferere, meaning to put forward, prefer, or choose before another.
adjectiveGiven or showing preference or favour to one person, group, or option over another. It may also mean designed or arranged according to a particular preference.
- Given or showing preference to one person, group, or option over another; favourably treated.
- Based on or expressing a preference, such as a preferred order or method.
- Relating to a tariff that receives more favourable treatment than the standard rate in international trade.
"The scholarship was awarded on a preferential basis to students from underrepresented backgrounds."
"The company offered preferential terms to long-standing customers."
"The application form asks whether the candidate requires preferential access to the building."
“Preferential” comes from the same Latin root as “prefer”: to put forward as the better choice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preferential come from?
Preferential comes from Latin praeferere, formed from prae- (“before”) and ferre (“to carry, bring”), originally conveying the idea of bringing something forward in preference to something else. The English adjective developed in the 17th century in the sense of preferable or advantageous, and later acquired the sense of favouring one party over another. It shares its root with prefer, preference, and preferred, which reflect the older sense of choosing or placing something first.
Related word forms
How preferential is actually used
The word is formal and is often associated with arrangements that grant an advantage to a particular person or category. In trade contexts, it specifically refers to a reduced or advantageous tariff.
Easily confused with preferential
Preferential describes something that expresses or grants a preference, while preferential can also refer to a tariff that receives a reduced rate in international trade.
Preferential is an adjective describing an advantage or arrangement based on preference, whereas privilege is a noun referring to a special right or advantage.