preferentially

Everyday

1. (formal) In a way that gives one person or thing better treatment than others: «Members are served preferentially.» tree →
2. (science, formal) More often or more strongly than other choices: «Bees preferentially visit blue flowers.» tree →

In the lessons

In science reports it means «more likely to» or «by choice». In fairness and rules talk it warns that someone gets special treatment. Phrases: «treated preferentially», «preferentially chosen», «preferentially absorb».

Examples

• Some shops treat loyal customers preferentially. tree →
• The plant preferentially grows towards the light. tree →
• Water preferentially flows down the steepest slope. tree →
• It is unfair if the teacher marks friends preferentially. tree →
• Mosquitoes preferentially bite some people more than others. tree →
• Older passengers are seated preferentially on this bus. tree →

Note

Formal and long; in everyday talk say «by choice», «more often» or «first». Related: prefer, preference, preferential (adjective: preferential treatment). Not the same as «preferably», which means «if possible».