preference

noun

• 1a greater liking for one alternative over another or others:her preference for white wine he chose a clock in preference to a watch
• a thing preferred:nearly 40 per cent named acid house as their musical preference
• [mass noun] favour 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