preferential

[ pref-uh-ren-shuh l ]
/ ˌprɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /

adjective

of, relating to, or of the nature of preference: preferential policies.
showing or giving preference: a preferential hiring system.
receiving or enjoying preference, as a country in trade relations; favored.

Origin of preferential

1840–50; < Medieval Latin praeferenti(a) preference + -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM preferential

Example sentences from the Web for preferential

British Dictionary definitions for preferential

preferential
/ (ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl) /

adjective

showing or resulting from preference
giving, receiving, or originating from preference in international trade

Derived forms of preferential

preferentiality (ˌprɛfəˌrɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ), noun preferentially, adverb