noun

1. The selection of one thing or person over others (with the main adposition being "for" in relation to the thing or person, but possibly also "of")

   “He has a preference for crisp wines.”

2. The option to so select, and the one selected.

   “Can I keep my preferences when I upgrade to the new version of this application?”

3. The state of being preferred over others.

Synonyms: forechoice

verb

1. To give preferential treatment to; to give a preference to.