Favourite

Favourite (British English) or favorite (American English) is an adjective meaning preferred above others or the thing most liked. It can also be a noun referring to that thing or person. The plural forms are favourites in British English and favorites in American English. Examples: “Her favourite color is blue” and “This book is my favourite.”

Etymology: from Old French faveur, favor, ultimately from Latin favorem meaning support or kindness. The spelling difference between British and American English arose through standardization in the 18th–19th centuries, with -our retained in British usage and -or preferred in American usage.

Usage notes: favourite and favorite are common in everyday language to express preference. In sports and entertainment, “the favourite” or “the betting favourite” denotes the most likely winner. In computing, “Favorites” has been used by software such as web browsers and file managers to refer to a list of bookmarked items; many programs now use “Bookmarks” instead. As a verb in digital contexts, to favorite or to like marks an item for quick access or future reference, particularly in social media or e-commerce.

See also: preference, favored, favorite (disambiguation).