affectional preference

English

Noun

affectional preference (countable and uncountable, plural affectional preferences)

1. (dated) Sexual or romantic orientation
   • 1980 April 12, John B. Anderson, “Campaign Trail”, in Gay Community News, page 4:

     The Anderson Administration […] will be open to all Americans and will be sensitive to their needs, irrespective of race, color, creed, affectional preference, or any other arbitrary decision.

Usage notes

• Affectional preference typically did not imply a distinction between sexual and romantic orientation, two concepts that are now often considered separate. It was, however, sometimes used conjointly, as "sexual or affectional preference", implying a distinction between the two.