noun (n)

• a strong liking(noun.feeling)

  Example:
  My own preference is for good literature.
  

  Synonym:
  penchant, predilection, taste
  

  source: wordnet30
• a predisposition in favor of something(noun.cognition)

  Example:
  His sexual preferences.
  

  Synonym:
  orientation, predilection
  

  source: wordnet30
• the right or chance to choose(noun.cognition)

  Synonym:
  druthers
  

  source: wordnet30
• grant of favor or advantage to one over another (especially to a country or countries in matters of international trade, such as levying duties)(noun.attribute)

  source: wordnet30
• The act of Preferring, or the state of being preferred; the setting of one thing before another; precedence; higher estimation; predilection; choice; also, the power or opportunity of choosing; as, to give him his preference.(noun)

  source: webster1913