Prefer vs. Preferential

Attribute	Prefer	Preferential
Definition	to like or want one thing more than another	of or relating to a preference or partiality
Usage	verb	adjective
Synonyms	favor, choose, select	partial, biased, discriminatory
Antonyms	dislike, reject, avoid	impartial, unbiased, fair

Definition

Prefer and preferential are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Prefer is a verb that means to like or choose one thing over another. For example, "I prefer tea over coffee." Preferential, on the other hand, is an adjective that means giving or showing preference or priority to something or someone. For example, "She received preferential treatment at the restaurant."

Usage

Prefer is commonly used in everyday language when expressing personal choices or opinions. It is often used in sentences like "I prefer to eat pizza for dinner" or "He prefers to take the bus to work." Preferential, on the other hand, is more formal and is often used in legal or political contexts. It is used to describe situations where one person or group is given special treatment or advantages over others. For example, "The company has a preferential hiring policy for veterans."

Connotation

Prefer generally has a neutral connotation and simply indicates a personal preference. It does not imply any judgment or bias. For example, saying "I prefer cats to dogs" is simply stating a preference without any negative connotations. Preferential, on the other hand, can have a negative connotation when it implies unfair treatment or favoritism. For example, "The preferential treatment given to certain employees led to resentment among the rest of the staff."

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between prefer and preferential:

• "I prefer to read books rather than watch TV." (Prefer)
• "The preferential treatment given to wealthy donors raised questions about the fairness of the election." (Preferential)
• "She prefers to shop at local businesses instead of big chain stores." (Prefer)
• "The preferential seating arrangement at the event caused some guests to feel excluded." (Preferential)

Etymology

The word "prefer" comes from the Latin word "praeferre," which means "to carry in front" or "to prefer." It entered the English language in the late 14th century. "Preferential," on the other hand, is a derivative of "prefer" with the addition of the suffix "-ial," which means "of or relating to." It first appeared in English in the mid-19th century.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while prefer and preferential are related words, they have distinct meanings and connotations. Prefer is used to express personal preferences, while preferential is used to describe situations where one person or group is given special treatment. Understanding the difference between these two words can help you communicate more effectively and accurately in various contexts.