Learning language
Translation language
noun · B1 · often · UK/US

preference

preference

Meaning of preference

personal liking

Learn preference with free cards in 30 seconds.

Check vocabulary level

10 minutes a day can add up to 3,000 words a year. Spaced flashcards bring each word back when it is time to remember it.

Free flashcards·10,000+ words in the database·scheduled reviews
How important is this word
B1often

preference fits your vocabulary level. Check your level if you are not sure.

Pronunciation
British English/ˈprɛfərəns/
American English/ə ˈprɛfərəns/
Chinese pronunciation in Latin letterspiān hǎo
preference
preference - preference
free flashcards
Learn for freeLearn 7 words from "Style and Taste"
Active review

How many words can you learn in a year?

If you learn 8-10 new words a day and review them regularly with flashcards, you can cover about 3,000 words in a year.

ZapomniEnglish brings words back at the right time: difficult words appear more often, familiar words less often.

Not sure what pace to start with? Check your vocabulary level and we will suggest words for your level.

We count words you add to learning and review regularly. Active use grows gradually and depends on practice.

How many words you can add to active review
PacePer dayPer yearBest for
Easy3 words≈ 1,100 wordsstarting without pressure
Balanced5 words≈ 1,800 wordssteady growth
Recommended8 words≈ 2,900 wordsaround 3,000 words a year
Fast10 words≈ 3,650 wordsvisible vocabulary growth
Intensive15 words≈ 5,500 wordsstrong motivation

preference with Chinese translation

preference usage examples

🇨🇳Chinese🇬🇧English

My preference is light, breathable fabrics in summer.

🇨🇳Chinese🇬🇧English

She prefers simple, classic clothes.

Learn by topic

preference belongs to the topic "Style and Taste". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

preference偏好
shirt衬衫
skirt裙子
pants裤子
trousers长裤
jeans牛仔裤
shorts短裤

preference synonyms

Related word breakdowns

What's the difference between preference / favorite / choice / inclination / predilection / penchant

🇬🇧English

Denotes the most preferred item; used as adjective or noun to name the top choice.

B1Very Often

My favorite color is blue.

🇬🇧English

Refers to the act or result of choosing; focuses on the selection itself rather than on a liking.

B1Very Often

You have a choice of two courses.

I
🇬🇧English
inclination

A tendency or leaning toward something, often less deliberate and sometimes milder than a stated preference.

B2Often

She has an inclination to help others.

P
🇬🇧English
predilection

A strong liking or predisposition; literary/formal and often stronger in tone than plain 'preference'.

C1Rarely

He has a predilection for classical music.

P
🇬🇧English
penchant

A strong habitual liking or tendency; implies a recurring or habitual preference.

C1Often

He has a penchant for late-night walks.

P
🇬🇧English
proclivity

An inclination or predisposition, often used formally and sometimes implying a natural or habitual tendency (can be neutral or negative).

C1Rarely

She has a proclivity for detailed analysis.

🇬🇧English

A general direction or typical behaviour over time; more about trends or patterns than a singular liking.

B1Very Often

There's a tendency to prefer online shopping among younger people.

🇬🇧English

Warm affection or liking; more emotional and affectionate than the neutral 'preference'.

B2Often

He has a fondness for old movies.

🇬🇧English

Can mean preference in aesthetics or food; implies cultivated judgment, standards, or aesthetic sense rather than a simple liking.

B2Very Often

Her taste in art is modern and minimalist.

L
🇬🇧English
leaning

A slight preference or tendency; implies a mild or tentative leaning rather than a firm choice.

B2Often

I have a leaning towards Italian restaurants tonight.

What's the difference

Related words and lists for preference

How to pronounce preference and what this word means

preference means preference. This page includes translation, pronunciation, transcription, audio, usage examples and related words.

how to pronounce preference

/ˈprɛfərəns/

preference translation

preference

preference examples

My preference is light, breathable fabrics in summer.

preference transcription

/ˈprɛfərəns/, /ə ˈprɛfərəns/

Questions about this word

preference meaning: what does it mean?

personal liking

preference pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

preference is pronounced as /ˈprɛfərəns/. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

preference definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

My preference is light, breathable fabrics in summer. Translation: Моё предпочтение летом — лёгкие, воздухопроницаемые ткани.

Is preference part of Style and Taste vocabulary?

Yes, preference can be learned in the Style and Taste topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

Is preference part of Clothing and Fashion vocabulary?

Yes, preference can be learned in the Clothing and Fashion topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

Audio practiceExamplesSmart repeats

Learn preference in your vocabulary

Add this word to practice, repeat it with audio, examples and your own word lists.