favourite

The word “favourite” means liked more than any other of its kind. In plain terms, the one you like best, or the one tipped to win.

“Favourite” is pronounced FAYV-riht (/ˈfeɪv.ɹɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “favourite” used in a sentence: “Pizza is my favourite food.”

Depending on how it is used, “favourite” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “favourite” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Latin. From 16th-century French favorit, ultimately from Latin favor ("goodwill") — tracing back to the verb faveo, "to favour, support.".

“Favourite” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Favourite” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: liked more than any other of its kind.

There is no difference in meaning — only spelling. "Favourite" is the standard British and Commonwealth form, while "favorite" is the American spelling. Both describe the one liked more than any other. Which you use simply depends on whether you follow British or American conventions.

The natural opposite is "least favourite" — the one liked least rather than most. Words like "unpopular," "disliked," or "worst" also work depending on context. Because favourite marks the single top choice, its opposite points to the bottom of the same ranking.

Strictly, a favourite is the single one liked above all others, so logically there is just one. In everyday use, though, people happily speak of "some of my favourites" or "a favourite of mine," loosening the word to mean simply among the best-liked.