favorite

Favorite, with the British spelling favourite, is a word used as a noun, adjective, and verb to denote something that is preferred or liked more than others. In everyday language, it can refer to a person, object, or idea that is favored. In computing and digital media, it often describes an item saved for quick access or easy retrieval.

Etymology and usage history: the word derives from Middle French favori and ultimately from Latin favor, meaning support or goodwill. The sense of “the most preferred” dates to early modern English. Historically, a favorite could also refer to a person favored by a ruler or patron, a usage that has largely faded outside literary or historical contexts.

As a noun, a favorite is something or someone regarded with special preference. For example, “Her favorite is the blue sweater.” The plural forms differ by dialect: favorites in American English and favourites in British English. As an adjective, it describes the object of preference, as in “my favorite movie.” As a verb, to favorite means to designate something as a preferred item or to save it for quick access, especially in digital environments.

In computing and online media, favorites are features that let users bookmark or flag items for easy return. Web browsers, email clients, and many apps provide a favorites or bookmarks system. In social media and content platforms, the term also denotes a simple expression of preference, often implemented as a “favorite” button or similar action, though some services have shifted terminology to “like” in common usage.

Overall, favorite serves to denote preference and ease of access, with spelling and platform-specific conventions varying by region and technology.