Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Preferred above all others and treated with partiality: Describes someone or something that is the most cherished, favored, or loved compared to all other options.
   • Most loved: Indicates the highest degree of affection or preference.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The teddy bear, though worn, remained her best-loved childhood possession.
  • He is the best-loved teacher in the school because of his kindness and patience.
  • This melody is one of the composer's best-loved works.

Advanced Usage

• "best-loved" as an attributive adjective: It is almost always used directly before a noun to describe it.
  • The author read excerpts from her best-loved novel.
• Used to describe things that have enduring popularity or affection over time.
  • These best-loved classic films are still watched by new generations.

Variants and Related Words

• Beloved (adj): Dearly loved. (Note: "Beloved" can be used both before a noun and after a linking verb like "was," while "best-loved" is typically used before a noun.)
• Favorite/Favourite (adj): Preferred to all others of the same kind. (This is a more common synonym.)
• Cherished (adj): Protected and cared for lovingly.

Synonyms

• Favorite
• Dearest
• Most cherished
• Most treasured

Antonyms

• Least favorite
• Disliked
• Unpopular

Related Phrases

• A best-loved classic: A very popular and enduring work of art, literature, or music.
  • "Pride and Prejudice" is a best-loved classic of English literature.
• A nation's best-loved...: A phrase used to describe a public figure or symbol widely adored by a country's people.
  • He was often called the nation's best-loved comedian.

Adjective

1. preferred above all others and treated with partiality
   • the favored child