preferential

(pref′ər ens̸həl)

adjective

  1. of, having, giving, or receiving preference
  2. offering or allowing a preference: a preferential ballot
  3. ☆ designating a union shop which gives preference, as by contract, to union members in hiring, layoffs, etc.
  4. receiving preferences, as in tariffs

Origin: ML praeferentia (see preference) + -al

Related Forms:

See preferential in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Of, relating to, or giving advantage or preference: preferential treatment.
  2. Manifesting or originating from partiality or preference: preferential tariff rates.

Related Forms:

  • prefˌer·enˈtial·ism noun
  • prefˌer·enˈtial·ist noun
  • prefˌer·enˈtial·ly adverb

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