A leaning toward one option over another, held without needing justification. A preference is stated, not argued.
Latin praeferre (to carry before, prefer), from prae- (before) + ferre (to carry); a leaning toward one option, carried ahead of the others without needing justification.
What a person reaches for when nothing forces the choice, kept as a fact about them rather than a position to defend. The house follows a stated preference and asks for no reason behind it.