1. A special or unusual favor, advantage, or priority given to someone or something that differs from normal or standard treatment
The government granted exceptional preference to war veterans in hiring decisions.
O governo concedeu preferência excepcional aos veteranos de guerra nas decisões de contratação.
2. In commerce or law, a priority or advantage given in extraordinary circumstances that deviates from regular rules
The company made an exceptional preference for local suppliers during the supply chain crisis.
A empresa fez uma preferência excepcional pelos fornecedores locais durante a crise da cadeia de suprimentos.