Meaning

• The selection of one thing or person over others (with the main adposition being "for" in relation to the thing or person, but possibly also "of")

  "He has a preference for crisp wines."

• The option to so select, and the one selected.

  "Can I keep my preferences when I upgrade to the new version of this application?"

• The state of being preferred over others.

• A strong liking or personal valuation.

• A preferential bias; partiality; discrimination.

Meaning

• To give preferential treatment to; to give a preference to.