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Definition of preferential - 3 dictionary results

pref⋅er⋅en⋅tial

  [pref-uh-ren-shuhl]
Use preferential in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or of the nature of preference: preferential policies.
2. showing or giving preference: a preferential hiring system.
3. receiving or enjoying preference, as a country in trade relations; favored.
Origin:
1840–50; < ML praeferenti(a) preference + -al 1

Related forms:
pref⋅er⋅en⋅tial⋅ism, noun
pref⋅er⋅en⋅tial⋅ist, noun
pref⋅er⋅en⋅tial⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To preferential
pref·er·en·tial   (prěf'ə-rěn'shəl)   
adj.  

  1. Of, relating to, or giving advantage or preference: preferential treatment.

  2. Manifesting or originating from partiality or preference: preferential tariff rates.

pref'er·en'tial·ism n., pref'er·en'tial·ist n., pref'er·en'tial·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: pref·e·ren·tial
Pronunciation: "pre-f&-'ren-ch&l
Function: adjective
1 : of or constituting a preference preferential transfer>
2 : giving preference to union members esp. in hiring preferential shop>
3 : showing preference preferential treatment>
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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