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Favoritism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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favoritism

[ˈfeɪvərɪˌtɪzəm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in relationships

The practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group over others.

Synonyms

bias, partiality, preferential treatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
favoritism

Used when talking about unfairly treating one person or group better than others, often in a workplace or family context.

  • The manager was accused of favoritism when he promoted his friend over more qualified employees
preferential treatment

Used when someone is given special treatment or advantages that are not available to others, often in context of policy or institutional settings.

  • The policy of the school was criticized for giving preferential treatment to children of alumni
partiality

Commonly used in more formal or academic contexts, indicating a preconceived leaning or preference for a particular side or opinion.

  • The judge recused himself from the case to avoid any appearance of partiality
bias

Typically used in contexts where someone has an unfair preference or prejudice against someone or something, often seen in discussions about journalism, research, or personal opinions.

  • The journalist's article showed a clear bias against the political candidate

Examples of usage

  • The boss showed favoritism towards his nephew by promoting him over more qualified employees.
  • The teacher's favoritism towards certain students led to resentment among the rest of the class.
Context #2 | Noun

in organizations

The act of showing special treatment or privileges to certain individuals or groups within an organization.

Synonyms

cronyism, nepotism, special treatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
favoritism

Favoritism is used when someone is being unfair by giving special treatment to a particular person or group in general situations, often in workplaces or schools.

  • The manager was accused of favoritism when he promoted his friend despite better-qualified candidates.
  • Favoritism can create a negative atmosphere in the team.
special treatment

Special treatment is a more neutral term that refers to giving someone better or different treatment than others, which could be positive or negative depending on the context.

  • He received special treatment at the restaurant because he was a celebrity.
  • It's important not to expect special treatment in a team environment.
nepotism

Nepotism is the practice of giving unfair advantages to family members by someone in power. It's often used in a negative sense.

  • Hiring his sister as the new director was seen as an act of nepotism.
  • Nepotism can damage the reputation and efficiency of a company.
cronyism

Cronyism typically refers to showing favoritism to close friends or associates, especially in political or business circles. It has a negative connotation.

  • The administration was criticized for cronyism after appointing inexperienced friends to high-ranking positions.
  • Cronyism undermines public trust in the political system.

Examples of usage

  • Accusations of favoritism within the company led to an investigation by HR.
  • The policy of transparency was implemented to prevent favoritism in promotions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that favoritism can lead to workplace resentment and decreased morale among employees who feel overlooked.
  • Children learn about favoritism through social interactions, often preferring friends who reciprocate kindness or attention.
  • In group settings, people naturally gravitate towards those similar to them, leading to unintentional favoritism.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures may have varying views on favoritism. For instance, some collectivist societies may promote group harmony over individual favoritism.
  • In many cultures, favoritism within families, especially towards the eldest child, can have significant social implications.
  • Some cultures view favoritism as a sign of loyalty and support, while others see it as unfair and divisive.

Education

  • Teachers are often advised to avoid favoritism to create a balanced classroom environment where all students feel valued.
  • Educational research suggests that perceived favoritism can negatively impact students' motivation and academic performance.
  • Programs that promote inclusivity and equal treatment are essential in combating favoritism in educational settings.

Pop Culture

  • Favoritism is a common theme in movies and shows, often depicted in families, schools, or workplaces to create conflict.
  • Reality TV shows frequently highlight favoritism, as contestants or participants often form alliances based on personal preferences.
  • Songs and literature often explore sentiments of favoritism, addressing feelings of jealousy and unfairness.

Origin of 'favoritism'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'favoritism' comes from 'favor', which means kindness or support, combined with the suffix '-ism', indicating a practice or tendency.
  • The term has been used in English since the 19th century, showing a long history of recognizing unequal treatment.
  • Related terms often include 'nepotism' (favoring relatives) and 'cronyism' (favoring friends).

The term favoritism dates back to the 18th century and is derived from the word 'favorite', meaning a person or thing that is preferred over others. The concept of favoritism has been observed in various social, political, and organizational settings, often leading to conflicts and controversies. It highlights the ethical dilemma of showing unfair bias towards specific individuals or groups, compromising equality and meritocracy.

See also: disfavor, favor, favorable, favorably, favored, favoring, favorite, unfavorability, unfavorable, unfavorableness, unfavorably, unfavored.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,207, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.