adj
Uncommon
favoured
FAY-vuhd
Favoured (adj) means Given special treatment or preference over others. Example: “As the youngest, he was always the favoured child.”
adj
1
Given special treatment or preference over others.
"As the youngest, he was always the favoured child."
"The favoured supplier got the contract without competing bids."
"Customers who spend the most are the favoured guests at the hotel."
2
Having a particular appearance or set of features (often in compounds like "ill-favoured").
"The story describes a hard-favoured old sailor."
"The old tale describes a well-favoured young man with a kind face."
"The innkeeper was an ill-favoured man with a crooked nose and a scowl."
How to use favoured
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTreated with special preference, or (in older use) having certain looks.
UK vs US
American English spells this "favored".
Common pairings
favoured child
favoured status
ill-favoured
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like favoured.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more favoured
- Superlative
- most favoured
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
As the youngest, he was always the _____ child.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for favoured
uncured
figured
injured
assured
secured
insured
scoured
coloured
captured
tortured
measured
honoured
See all rhymes for favoured →
Frequently asked questions
What does “favoured” mean?
The word “favoured” means given special treatment or preference over others. In plain terms, treated with special preference, or (in older use) having certain looks.
How do you pronounce “favoured”?
“Favoured” is pronounced FAY-vuhd (/ˈfeɪ.vɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “favoured” in a sentence?
Here is “favoured” used in a sentence: “As the youngest, he was always the favoured child.”
What part of speech is “favoured”?
“Favoured” is an adjective.
Is “favoured” a common word?
“Favoured” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “favoured” have?
“Favoured” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: given special treatment or preference over others.
What is the difference between favoured and favourite?
Favourite is typically a noun or adjective naming the single option preferred above all others, as in "my favourite book." Favoured is a broader adjective meaning given special treatment or preference, and can apply to more than one option, as in "favoured candidates."
Is favoured the British spelling of favored?
Yes, favoured is the British English spelling, while favored is the American English spelling. Both are pronounced and used identically.
