favorite/favourite
favorite/favourite
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "favorite" is /ˈfeɪvərɪt/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
fay- /feɪ/
vuh- /vər/
rit /rɪt/
The spelling "favourite" is the British English variation, while "favorite" is the American English variation. Both are pronounced the same.
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: favorite/favourite
Plural: favorites/favourites
Adjective: favorite/favourite (no singular/plural distinction as an adjective)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A person, thing, or concept that is preferred above all others by a particular individual or group.
Synonyms: preference, darling, pet, pick, chosen one
Antonyms: least favorite, anathema, aversion
Adjective
Definition: Regarded with special affection or preference; most liked or cherished.
Synonyms: preferred, beloved, cherished, dearest, chosen, special
Antonyms: disliked, unloved, least favorite, unappealing
Examples of Use
Books:
"This book has always been my favorite to read on a rainy afternoon, its worn pages a testament to countless re-readings." (Implied source: Personal reflection, common in literary reviews or memoirs)
"Hermione Granger's favourite subject was Charms, and she excelled at it with an intensity that often surprised her friends." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone/Philosopher's Stone)
Newspapers:
"The city's favorite coffee shop, 'The Daily Grind,' announced its expansion plans today, much to the delight of its loyal customers." (Local Newspaper Article - e.g., The Capital Times, 2024)
"Polls indicate that the incumbent remains the voters' favourite candidate, despite recent controversies." (The Guardian, 2023)
Online Publications:
"We asked our readers to share their favorite summer recipes, and the response was overwhelming!" (Food Blog/Website - e.g., Serious Eats, 2024)
"This article explores why Succession became a critical favourite and a cultural phenomenon." (Online Entertainment Magazine - e.g., Vulture, 2023)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Music/Song Lyrics: "You're my favorite kind of night, yeah, you're the one I always crave." (Popular Song Lyrics - e.g., a country or pop song, common phrasing)
Film/TV Show Dialogue: "What's your favorite movie, Agent Starling?" (Dialogue from The Silence of the Lambs, 1991)
Social Media Post (e.g., Instagram/X/TikTok): "Spending my Sunday with my favourite book and a cup of tea. Pure bliss! #reading #cozyvibes" (User-generated content, very common)
Video Game Dialogue/Lore: "Collect all the relics to unlock the Elder God's favorite weapon." (In-game text/dialogue - e.g., Elden Ring, 2022)
General Public Discourse:
"My favorite part of the trip was definitely visiting the ancient ruins." (Casual Conversation among friends)
"The local team is the clear favorite to win the championship this year." (Sports commentary/discussion)
"What's your favorite color?" (Common question asked to children or during ice-breaker activities)
"That's my favorite shirt; it's so comfortable." (Everyday personal comment)
10 Famous Quotes Using Favorite/Favourite
"Science is my favorite thing to do. And also, you know, I love to sing and act and dance." (Dolly Parton)
"Dogs are my favorite people." (Richard Dean Anderson)
"I have a lot of favorite words. 'Magnanimous' is a good one." (J. K. Rowling)
"You're my favorite hello and my hardest goodbye." (Author Unknown, commonly attributed as a popular saying)
"A good book is my favorite way to escape reality." (Author Unknown, common inspirational quote)
"Simplicity is my favorite ornament." (Author Unknown, often attributed to Rumi or various ancient philosophers)
"Laughter is my favorite sound." (Author Unknown, common sentimental quote)
"My favorite color is October." (Author Unknown, popular seasonal quote)
"The most favorite things that I've done are the ones that are the most personal." (Taylor Swift)
"A cup of tea is my favorite companion on a quiet afternoon." (Author Unknown, common cozy saying)
Etymology
The word "favorite" (or "favourite" in British English) has a fascinating journey through languages!
It ultimately comes from the Latin word "favor", which meant "goodwill," "inclination," "partiality," or "support." This Latin word itself is linked to the verb "favere," meaning "to show kindness to."
From Latin, it made its way into Old French as "favor" (and later "faveur"), meaning things like "a favor," "approval," or "partiality."
Then, it passed into Italian, where it became "favorito." This was a past participle of the Italian verb "favorire," meaning "to favor." Think of "favorito" as meaning "favored" or "one who is favored."
Finally, English borrowed it, likely from the French "favorit" (which came from the Italian "favorito").
The first known use of "favorite" in English, as a noun referring to a "person or thing regarded with special liking," appears around the late 1500s (specifically, the 1580s). At first, it often referred to someone who held a special, often privileged, position due to the favor of a powerful person like a monarch. For instance, a king might have a "favorite" advisor.
Over time, its meaning broadened to include any person or thing that is simply preferred or liked more than others, which is how we commonly use it today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Favorite/Favourite
Favorite son/daughter: A candidate in a political election who is supported by the voters of their home state, often despite a lack of national appeal.
Teacher's pet/favorite: A student who is treated with special favor by a teacher.
Odds-on favorite: The most likely winner in a competition or race according to betting odds.
Hands-down favorite: A clear and undisputed favorite to win or succeed.
A crowd favorite: Something or someone widely popular among a large group of people.
Play favorites: To show unfair partiality towards one person or group over others.
To be in someone's good graces/favor: To be liked or preferred by someone. (Using a synonym)
The apple of my eye: A person or thing that one loves above all others. (Metaphorical, expressing extreme favor)
To have a soft spot for [someone/something]: To have a special fondness or liking for someone or something. (Using a synonym)
To pick a favorite: To choose the one that is most liked among several options.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of favorite/favourite from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
