preference

Everyday

1. A liking for one thing more than another. tree →
2. The thing you like more or choose. tree →
3. «Give preference to»: treat one person or group better or first. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and statistics, surveys of preferences (favourite fruit, shown in bar charts or tally charts). In everyday life, choices of food, colour and activity. Phrases: «a preference for», «in order of preference», «personal preference», «give preference to».

Examples

• I have a preference for chocolate ice cream. tree →
• List the films in order of preference. tree →
• The survey showed pupils' preferences for sports. tree →
• It's a matter of personal preference. tree →
• Older people are given preference for seats on the bus. tree →
• Do you have a preference, tea or juice? tree →
• Aphrodite greatly preferred Ares to her husband, and this preference naturally gave rise to much jealousy on the part of Hephaestus, and caused them great unhappiness. tree →

Note

Verb «prefer» (prefer X TO Y, not «than»). Adjective «preferable». Stress: PREF-er-ence. In maths: preference surveys give counts — the most popular choice is the mode.