The raw material, in the matching process, is a mass of stated preference: your desire or intolerance for certain traits and characteristics.

Some research has suggested that it is men, more than women, who yearn for marriage, but this may be merely a case of stated preference.

The government's current stated preference is for bus or transit lane level priority along the highly congested Gympie Road corridor.

Many economists question the use of stated preference to determine willingness to pay for a good, preferring to rely on people's revealed preferences in binding market transactions.

"We have a strong and a clear stated preference of moving to international accounting standards," he said in a telephone interview.

It is the stated preference that all decisions be made by consensus.

Despite his stated preference for lopping off the tops of tall buildings, the ambassador might hit it off with Mr. Trump.

Alexander considered seeking a third term but then decided to honor his own stated preference for a two-term limit.

The Fed's policy makers, at their next meeting, on Dec. 19, are likely to give up their stated preference for higher rates.

In the absence of any stated preference it will be assumed that the candidates will be willing to be considered for either appointment.