How to pronounce preference
Say it like PREF-uh-runs. Preference has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preference. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PREF
- uh
- runs
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preference pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PREFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- runsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of preference
American and British speakers say preference in essentially the same way: /ˈprɛfərəns/ in the US and /ˈprɛfərəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: PREF-uh-runs.
What does preference mean?
- a strong liking“my own preference is for good literature”“the Irish have a penchant for blarney”
- a predisposition in favor of something“a predilection for expensive cars”“his sexual preferences”
- the right or chance to choose“given my druthers, I'd eat cake”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying preference
How do you pronounce preference?
Say PREF-uh-runs. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɛfərəns/. In British English it is /ˈprɛfərəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preference?
Preference has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREF). Broken into parts: PREF · uh · runs.
Do Americans and Brits say preference the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprɛfərəns/ and the British form is /ˈprɛfərəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.