preferentially

USAGE SUMMARY

'preferentially' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is done or chosen in preference to something else. For example, "The company prefers to hire candidates who have a college degree preferentially over those with just a high school diploma."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This material preferentially absorbs, and is thus heated and expanded by, infra-red radiation with a wavelength of three microns (millionths of a metre).

The Economist

Some preferentially generate certain numbers, increasing the chance that different users will end up using the same primes to encrypt their data.

The Economist

Since, optically speaking, energy levels correspond to wavelengths, such an arrangement can be tweaked to reflect some wavelengths and preferentially emit others.

The Economist

Locals, too, can resent foreign students, particularly if large groups come from a single place and don't mix, or if their poor English holds up a whole class, or if there is any hint that they are admitted preferentially for financial reasons.Other countries are trying harder these days to grab a slice of the lucrative foreign market.

The Economist

By coating her nanoshells in the appropriate antibodies, Dr West thinks she can make them stick preferentially to tumours.

The Economist

By focusing this help preferentially on the poor nations, the poor should be able to exploit the trade opportunities that are opened up for them by non-preferential treatment.

The Economist

There are circumstances when it might behove an individual mother to give birth preferentially to sons or to daughters.

The Economist

This is less likely to happen to such a body if it is the moon of a large planet, so moons may survive preferentially.

The Economist

Under this, the eligible poor countries were granted entry at preferentially lower tariff rates.GSP did little for the poor countries.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The discussions in the preceding three sections suggest that the task of serving one's concerns well might be promoted by the ability to choose counter-preferentially.

SEP

Assuming one has no desire to be ill for nothing, drinking the toxin seems to involve acting counter-preferentially and this is, if not impossible, at least no easy feat.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preferentially" to clearly indicate a preference between two or more options, ensuring the context makes the comparison explicit. For example, "The enzyme binds preferentially to substrate A rather than substrate B."

Common error

Avoid using "preferentially" when you mean "preferably". "Preferentially" highlights a bias or selective action, while "preferably" indicates what is generally more desirable. For example, use "preferably" when saying "I would preferably go to the beach", not "I would preferentially go to the beach".

Linguistic Context

Preferentially functions as an adverb, modifying verbs to indicate that an action is performed with a bias or preference towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes that something is favored over another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

News & Media

30%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "preferentially" signifies that something is done with preference or partiality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, indicating it's often used to express a chosen preference. It's commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, denoting selective actions or biased processes. While semantically similar phrases like "selectively" or "with preference" exist, it's crucial to distinguish "preferentially" from "preferably" to avoid common errors. In essence, "preferentially" helps clarify choices based on specific criteria or biases, making it a valuable tool in precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Selectively

Indicates a choice based on specific criteria, similar to "preferentially".

With preference

Simplifies the adverb to a prepositional phrase, slightly altering the sentence structure.

In a favored manner

Replaces "preferentially" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the act of favoring.

With partiality

This emphasizes bias towards something or someone.

By choice

Highlights the element of selection and intention behind the preference.

On a priority basis

Emphasizes the prioritization aspect of the preference, suitable for formal contexts.

More readily

Focuses on the ease or likelihood with which something occurs, rather than the explicit preference.

By inclination

Implies a natural tendency or disposition towards something, influencing the preference.

To a greater extent

Highlights the degree to which something is favored, useful when quantifying the preference.

As a rule

This suggests preference based on a general principle or common practice.

FAQs

How do you use "preferentially" in a sentence?

"Preferentially" is used to describe an action done with preference to something else. For instance, "The system will route traffic "preferentially" to the faster server" indicates the system favors the faster server.

What's the difference between "preferentially" and "preferably"?

"Preferentially" means something is favored or selected over another, while "preferably" expresses general desirability. You use something "preferentially", but you do something "preferably".

What can I say instead of "preferentially"?

You can use alternatives like "selectively", "with preference", or "in a favored manner", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "treat someone preferentially"?

Yes, it is correct. It means to give someone advantages or benefits over others, often based on specific criteria. However, be mindful of the ethical implications, as it may imply unfair treatment.