prefer vs preference

prefer is not a noun while preference is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
prefer	No	No	Yes	No
preference	Yes	No	No	No

prefer (noun)	preference (noun)
	grant of favor or advantage to one over another (especially to a country or countries in matters of international trade, such as levying duties)
	the right or chance to choose
	a predisposition in favor of something
	a strong liking

prefer (verb)	preference (verb)
select as an alternative over another
like better; value more highly
promote over another
give preference to one creditor over another