The word "favorite" is a commonly misspelled word. Its spelling can be confusing due to the variation between British and American English. In American English, the word is spelled "favorite," while in British English, it is spelled "favourite." The word is pronounced with three syllables, /ˈfeɪ.vərɪt/ (fay-vuh-rit), with the stress on the first syllable. It is derived from the Latin word "favoritus," meaning "favored," and entered English in the late 16th century. Remembering to include the "u" in British English may be challenging for non-native speakers.
Favorite is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is most liked or preferred by an individual. It is derived from the word "favor" and is commonly associated with personal taste, choices, and preferences. When something is considered a favorite, it holds a special place in one's heart and is given preferential treatment over other options.
In the case of objects or things, a favorite can refer to an item that is cherished, valued, or treasured above others. It may be an article of clothing, a book, a song, a movie, or any possession that is held dear to an individual due to personal attachment or sentimental value. For instance, a favorite book could be one that has been read multiple times, brings comfort or inspiration, or holds a significant memory.
When applied to people, favorite is used to describe someone who is held in higher regard, esteemed, or preferred above others. This can be a friend, family member, or colleague who holds a special place in one's heart and is chosen as the most beloved or trusted individual in their respective category.
Overall, the term favorite reflects personal choices, deep likings, and a sense of personal attachment towards something or someone, making it highly subjective and based on individual opinions and preferences.
Esteemed, beloved, preferred.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "favorite" has its origins in the Latin language. It comes from the Latin word "favoritus", which is the past participle of the verb "favorire", meaning "to favor" or "to show kindness to". The Latin word "favoritus" then evolved into the Old French "favorit", which referred to a person who enjoyed special favor or privilege. Over time, this French term made its way into English, becoming the word "favorite" with the same meaning.