A preference relation is a way to compare different options or choices based on an individual's likes or dislikes. It helps to determine which option is preferred over another. For example, if someone prefers apple over banana, we can say that the preference relation indicates a stronger liking for apple. In mathematics and economics, preference relations are often used to model decision-making. They can be represented as a set of ordered pairs, showing how one choice is favored over another. This concept is essential in fields like game theory and utility theory, where understanding preferences helps predict behavior and outcomes.