give (a) preference to (someone or something)
To treat someone or something with greater regard or in a more advantageous manner than someone or something else. The company was taken to court for giving a preference to employees who don't have children. The immigration department announced it will give preference to applicants who have already been in the country for more than 15 years. We gave a preference to Mary's essay in because hers dealt more explicitly with the topic we assigned.
give preference to (someone or something)
To prioritize someone or something above someone or something else. The recruiter was told to give preference to any alumni who apply for the job. The immigration department announced it will give preference to applicants who have already been in the country for more than 15 years. We gave preference to Mary's essay in because hers dealt more explicitly with the topic we assigned.
in preference to (someone or something)
Over or instead of someone or something else. We chose to publish Mary's essay in preference to yours because hers dealt more explicitly with the topic we assigned. We've decided to go with a local credit union in preference to a big multinational bank. I'm an introvert, so I would choose staying home in preference to just about anything else!
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