Preferential
ˌpɹɛfəˈɹɛnʃəl
Definitions
Giving an advantage to one or more persons or things over others; favored.
ˌpɹɛfəˈɹɛnʃəl
Giving an advantage to one or more over others.
The company offers preferential rates to its long-term clients.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friend both want ice cream. If the store gives your friend a special discount just because they're a member of their club, that's preferential treatment. It means they're getting something better than you.
👶 For kids: When you get a special treat that other kids don't get, that's preferential treatment!
More Examples
Students with disabilities are often given preferential consideration during the admissions process.
The airline granted preferential boarding to its first-class passengers.
How It's Used
"The company offers preferential pricing to its loyal customers."
"The court ruled against preferential treatment based on race."
"Preferential tariffs are often used to boost trade between countries."
Idioms & expressions
preferential treatment
The act of treating someone or something in a better way than others; giving an advantage.
"The manager was accused of giving his friends preferential treatment."
From Late Latin *praeferentialis*, from *praeferre* ('to prefer'), from *prae* ('before') + *ferre* ('to carry, bear').
The word "preferential" emerged in legal and commercial contexts during the 17th and 18th centuries to describe advantages or privileges granted to specific parties.
Memory tip
Think of a 'preference' - it's like getting a special 'deal' or advantage, the opposite of treating everyone the same.