prefˈerence noun

1. The choice, favouring, liking of one rather than another, estimation of one above another
2. The state of being preferred
3. That which is preferred
4. Priority
5. An advantage given to one over another
6. A card game resembling auction bridge

preferential /pref-ə-renˈshl/ adjective

1. Having, giving, or allowing, a preference
2. Discriminating in favour of someone or something
3. (of a ballot or voting) requiring the voter to put candidates in order of preference
4. See also preference shares below

preferenˈtialism noun

preferenˈtialist noun

Someone who favours a preferential tariff

preferenˈtially adverb

preferˈment noun

1. Advancement
2. Promotion
3. A superior appointment or position, esp in the Church, enhancing one's social and financial status
4. The act of preferring

preferrˈer noun

preference shares, preference stock, preferential shares or preferential stock plural noun

Shares or stock on which dividends must be paid before those on other kinds

preferential tariff or preferential duty noun

A lower tariff or duty imposed on imports from some (eg developing) countries than on those from others

preferred shares plural noun (US)

Same as preference shares above

in preference to

Rather than