Favourite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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favourite
[หfeษชvษrษชt ]
Definitions
personal preference
Preferred or liked above all others; regarded with particular favor or preference.
Synonyms
beloved, cherished, darling, preferred.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| favourite |
Used to describe something or someone that is liked more than any other. Common in casual or everyday conversations.
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| preferred |
Used to indicate a choice or option that is more desired than others. Often used in professional or formal contexts.
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| beloved |
Often used to express deep affection or love. Can be used in both romantic and non-romantic contexts, but generally conveys strong emotion.
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| darling |
A term of endearment used to address someone you love or have affection for. Commonly used between romantic partners or to express affection towards children.
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| cherished |
Used to describe something or someone that is held dear and treated with great care and affection. Often implies a sense of long-term value or importance.
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Examples of usage
- My favourite color is blue.
- What's your favourite movie?
- She's my favourite person in the world.
personal preference
A person or thing that is preferred or liked above all others.
Synonyms
choice, darling, pick, preferred.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| favourite |
When you refer to something or someone you like the most out of a group, usually in an informal setting.
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| preferred |
Used in more formal or professional settings to indicate a greater liking for one option over others.
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| choice |
When discussing the act of selecting from a range of options or when referring to the actual selected option.
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| pick |
Used informally when referring to the selection of a person, thing, or option from a group.
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| darling |
Often used affectionately to refer to a loved person, usually in romantic relationships or close family settings. It can also describe something that is very dear or cherished.
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Examples of usage
- Chocolate is my favourite.
- He is the teacher's favourite student.
- Her dog is her favourite companion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Songs often mention favorites, like 'My Favorite Things' from The Sound of Music, celebrating the joy of special items.
- Television shows frequently have 'fan-favorite' characters, which are loved by viewers more than others, highlighting audience preferences.
- The term is widely used to describe nominations for awards, showing what people enjoy the most in movies, music, and games.
Psychology
- Having a favorite can boost happiness and provide comfort, as it gives a sense of belonging and personal preference.
- Research shows that people often favor choices that reflect their values, leading to a deeper connection with their 'favorites'.
- Favorites can also shape decisions, where individuals tend to choose what they love more frequently, illustrating our biases.
Literature
- In many novels, characters have 'favorites' that help define their personalities, such as a favorite song or place.
- Jacques Derrida, a philosopher, explored how culture shapes what we consider our favorites, connecting it to identity formation.
- The concept of 'favorites' is examined in poetry as a way to express emotions, revealing deeper insights into a personโs feelings.
Cultural Significance
- Different cultures might have unique favorites, such as foods or festivals, showcasing diversity in what people cherish.
- In some cultures, having a favorite dish or drink can be a sign of hospitality, reflecting warmth and attention to personal tastes.
- Children often express favorites early on, which tells parents a lot about their personalities and development stages.
Origin of 'favourite'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'favorit', meaning 'someone who is favored' or 'beloved'.
- The Latin root 'favorem' means 'favor' or 'support', showing how the concept relates to being preferred or liked.
- The spelling 'favourite' is more common in British English, while 'favorite' is used in American English.
The word 'favourite' originated in the late 16th century from the French word 'favori', meaning 'favored'. It has been used to express personal preferences and choices over the years, becoming a commonly used term in English language to indicate something or someone that is liked or preferred above all others.
See also: favour, favourable, unfavourable.