Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Preferred above all others: Describes something or someone that is liked or preferred more than any other of the same kind.
   • Appealing to many people: Indicates something that is very popular or commonly liked by a wide group.

2. Noun:

   • A person or thing that is especially liked or preferred: Refers to the specific item, person, or activity that is one's top choice.
   • A competitor expected to win: In sports or competitions, the participant considered most likely to win.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • This is my favourite restaurant in the city. (I prefer this restaurant over all others.)
  • It's a favourite destination for honeymooners. (It is a very popular and commonly chosen destination for honeymoons.)

• Noun:

  • Chocolate ice cream is my all-time favourite. (Chocolate ice cream is the thing I like most.)
  • The reigning champion is the favourite to win the tournament again. (The champion is the competitor everyone expects to win.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be a firm favourite": To be something that is consistently and strongly preferred.
  • This recipe has become a firm favourite with my family.
• "Favourite son/daughter": A term often used to describe a person, especially a politician, who is particularly popular in their native area.
  • He returned to his home state as a favourite son.

Variants and Related Words

• Favoritism (noun): The unfair practice of consistently favoring one person or group over others.
  • The manager was accused of favoritism towards his friends.
• Favourite (verb, archaic/rare): To favor or prefer. (Note: This usage is very uncommon in modern English; the adjective and noun forms are standard.)
• Favorite (US spelling): The standard American English spelling of the word.

Synonyms

• Preferred: Chosen or liked above others.
• Beloved: Dearly loved (often with deeper emotional attachment).
• Front-runner: The competitor most likely to win (similar to the noun meaning in competitions).

Phrasal Verbs / Common Phrases

• "To play favourites": To show unfair preference to one person or group over others.
  • A good teacher should not play favourites in the classroom.

Related Idioms

• "Teacher's pet / Boss's favourite": A person who is perceived to be unfairly favored by someone in authority.
  • He gets all the best projects because he's the boss's favourite.
• "A favourite pastime": A hobby or activity that one particularly enjoys doing.
  • Reading is one of her favourite pastimes.

Adjective

1. preferred above all others and treated with partiality
   • the favored child
2. appealing to the general public
   • a favorite tourist attraction

Noun

1. something regarded with special favor or liking
   • that book is one of my favorites
2. a special loved one
3. a competitor thought likely to win