preference

noun

• 1a greater liking for one alternative over another or others:a preference for long walks and tennis over jogging he chose a clock in preference to a watch
• a thing preferred:my musical preferences are blues and swing
• favor shown to one person or thing over another or others:preference is given to those who make a donation

• 2 Law a prior right or precedence, especially in connection with the payment of debts:debts owed to the community should be accorded a preference