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Definition of preferentially

preferentially

/ˌprɛf.əˈrɛn.ʃəl.i/
pref · er · en · tial · ly
Adjective:preferential
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preferentially Lexical Profile

preferentially Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that grants or displays preference, priority, or favored treatment to one person, group, or option over others.

Example

"Senior shareholders are paid dividends preferentially before common stockholders receive any distribution."

2

With a greater natural tendency, affinity, or likelihood toward a particular state, reaction, or pathway (especially in chemistry, biology, and physics).

Example

"During the reaction, the catalyst binds preferentially to the substrate's active site."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for preferentially

• Nearby Words

preferably
preference
preferential
preferentially
preferred
prefight
prefix

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preferentially. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preferentially
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