a competitor thought likely to win
"With his undefeated record and dominant performance last season, the local team is everyone's favourite for the upcoming championship."
A person or thing who enjoys special regard or favour.
"The new intern quickly became a favourite among the senior staff for her helpfulness and cheerful attitude."
In plain English: A favourite is the person, thing, or activity you like more than any other.
"Football is my favourite sport to watch on Sundays."
Usage: Use "favourite" as a noun to refer to a specific person or thing that you like better than all others. This usage applies regardless of whether the speaker is American or British, unlike the adjective form which often changes spelling across regions.
To favour.
"The teacher always gave extra homework to students who favored cheating on tests, so we decided not to play favorites in our group projects."
In plain English: To favourite something means to mark it as your preferred choice so you can find it easily later.
"She always favours her younger brother when dividing the cake."
Usage: Use "favorite" as a verb when you want to express that someone or something is being treated with special preference or affection, such as favoring a particular candidate over others. This usage is common in American English, where the spelling remains consistent regardless of whether it functions as an adjective, noun, or verb.
Preferred or liked above all others (unless qualified).
"Even though I enjoy many types of music, jazz is my favourite genre because it always puts me in a good mood."
In plain English: Something that is your favourite is the one you like the most among all other options.
"She always chooses her favourite colour, blue, for her clothes."
Usage: Use "favourite" as an adjective to describe something preferred above all others, such as my favourite colour is blue. This spelling is standard in both British and American English when modifying a noun.
The word "favourite" entered English in the 1580s via Middle French and Old French as a past participle meaning "favoured." It ultimately traces its roots to Latin favor, which originally signified good will or favor, before evolving into the modern sense of someone who is preferred above others.