preferment
UK[prɪˈfɜːmənt]US[prɪˈfɜːrmənt]
n
promotion or advancement to a higher position or rank.
n
the act of preferring or the state of being preferred.
Morpheme Breakdown
prefer
ment
prefer
to carry in front, to put before, to prefer
ment
Etymology
the word 'preferment' has a clear and logical construction from its latin roots. it is formed from the verb 'prefer', which originates from latin praeferre, a compound of prae- ('before') and ferre ('to bear, carry'). the literal sense was 'to carry in front' or 'to put before others'. the suffix -ment, from latin -mentum, is a common device for forming nouns that signify the result or product of an action. therefore, 'preferment' literally means 'the result of being placed before others'. this evolved from the general act of favoring one thing over another to the specific modern meaning of advancement in rank or position, as being chosen or favored for promotion.
Analysis
Structure: prefer + ment
prefer (from latin praeferre, meaning 'to carry in front, to put before, to prefer') + ment (from latin -mentum, a suffix forming nouns that denote the result or means of an action).
Examples
his long service and dedication led to his preferment within the company.
she sought preferment to a managerial role.
in historical contexts, church preferment was often influenced by political connections.