Favored: meaning, definitions and examples

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favored

 

[ˈfeɪvərd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

being preferred or recommended

Favored means to be regarded with approval, preference, or special regard. It implies that something or someone is given an advantage or is preferred over others.

Synonyms

chosen, popular, preferred, recommended.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
favored

Used when something or someone is given special treatment or advantages, often because they are preferred or supported by a higher authority.

  • The coach favored the experienced players over the newcomers
  • This restaurant is favored by celebrities
preferred

Used when something or someone is liked more than others, often in a personal context.

  • My preferred method of travel is by train
  • Red wine is his preferred choice for dinner
recommended

Used when something or someone is suggested as being good or appropriate.

  • This book is highly recommended by many readers
  • She recommended that they visit the new museum in town
chosen

Used when something or someone has been selected from a group, usually because they are considered the best or most suitable.

  • She was chosen to represent the company at the conference
  • The chosen book for this month's club meeting is a science fiction novel
popular

Used when something or someone is liked, admired, or supported by many people.

  • This band is very popular among teenagers
  • Ice cream is a popular dessert in the summer

Examples of usage

  • He was the favored candidate for the promotion.
  • The favored team won the championship.
  • She was favored to win the award.
Context #2 | Verb

showing approval or support

To favor someone or something means to show approval, kindness, or support towards them. It can also mean to treat someone or something with special kindness or partiality.

Synonyms

approve, favoritism, prefer, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
favored

Used to describe someone or something that is given special treatment or preference, often in a positive way.

  • She favored her left leg after the injury
  • The teacher favored the student who always did his homework
support

Used to show that someone helps or agrees with a person, idea, project, or cause.

  • He decided to support his friend's new business venture
  • The community came together to support the charity event
approve

Used when expressing satisfaction or agreement with a decision, action, or idea. Often used in formal contexts.

  • He did not approve of the new policy
  • The committee approved the budget for next year
favoritism

Refers to the unfair practice of giving better treatment to one person or group over others, usually in a negative sense.

  • The manager was accused of favoritism for giving his friend a promotion
  • Favoritism in the workplace can lead to low morale among employees
prefer

Used to indicate that someone likes one thing better than another.

  • I prefer tea over coffee
  • She prefers traveling by train rather than flying

Examples of usage

  • She favored her son with a generous gift.
  • He always favored his youngest daughter.
  • The teacher favored the hardworking students.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'favorem', which means 'kindness' or 'a gift'.
  • In Old French, 'favor' meant 'to be preferred' or 'to be liked', evolving into the English 'favored'.

Social Dynamics

  • In many cultures, being favored can shape social hierarchies where certain individuals receive privileges over others.
  • Favoritism often occurs in groups, be it families, work environments, or schools, impacting relationships and dynamics.
  • Psychological studies suggest that favored individuals often experience higher self-esteem and better social support.

Literature

  • In classic fairy tales, the favored character often represents the hero destined for greater things, highlighting the theme of meritocracy.
  • In literature, authors may explore the consequences of favor, revealing jealousy and conflict among those who feel overlooked.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Various cultures have different views on favoritism—some see it positively as love for a child, while others critique it as unjust treatment.
  • In collectivist societies, being favored can impact community dynamics, sometimes leading to social divides.

Political Context

  • Governments may favor certain policies or groups, often leading to debates about fairness and equity in governance.
  • Favoritism in politics can lead to corruption, where decisions benefit a select few rather than the broader public.

Translations

Translations of the word "favored" in other languages:

🇵🇹 favorecido

🇮🇳 पसंदीदा

🇩🇪 begünstigt

🇮🇩 disukai

🇺🇦 улюблений

🇵🇱 faworyzowany

🇯🇵 好まれた

🇫🇷 favorisé

🇪🇸 favorecido

🇹🇷 tercih edilen

🇰🇷 선호되는

🇸🇦 محبوب

🇨🇿 upřednostňovaný

🇸🇰 uprednostňovaný

🇨🇳 受青睐的

🇸🇮 prednosten

🇮🇸 valinn

🇰🇿 артықшылықты

🇬🇪 რჩეული

🇦🇿 üstünlük verilən

🇲🇽 favorecido

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,505 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.