Favorite vs. Favourite: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on August 10, 2024
"Favorite" and "Favourite" have the same meaning, referring to something preferred or liked more than others; "Favorite" is the American spelling, while "Favourite" is the British spelling.
Key Differences
Favorite and Favourite both describe something that is most liked or preferred. The difference lies in their spelling, with "Favorite" being used in American English and "Favourite" in British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
When using the word in American publications or correspondence, "Favorite" is the correct spelling. Conversely, in British contexts, "Favourite" is the appropriate spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Both Favorite and Favourite can be used as nouns or adjectives. For example, "pizza is my favorite food" or "pizza is my favourite food," depending on the variant of English used.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
The difference in spelling between Favorite and Favourite reflects the broader differences between American and British English in terms of vocabulary and orthography.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
In digital platforms where the audience is international, the choice between Favorite and Favourite might depend on the platform's language settings or the intended audience's preference.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Literature
Common in American publications
Common in British publications
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
International Preference
Preferred in American-influenced regions
Preferred in Commonwealth countries
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Digital Media Usage
Used in American-based websites and apps
Used in British-based or Commonwealth websites and apps
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
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Favorite and Favourite Definitions
Favorite
Favorite can also mean a bookmark in digital browsers.
I saved the website as a favorite on my browser.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Favourite
Favourite denotes something most liked or preferred.
Fish and chips is her favourite meal.
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Jan 18, 2024
Favorite
Favorite is used to describe a choice that ranks above all others.
His favorite movie is 'The Godfather.'
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Jan 18, 2024
Favourite
Favourite is often used to describe a likely winner in a contest.
Roger Federer was the favourite for the Wimbledon title.
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Jan 18, 2024
Favorite
Favorite implies preferred status among a group or category.
Her favorite hobby is painting.
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Jan 18, 2024
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Favourite
Favourite implies a special regard for something within a group.
Her favourite subject at school is history.
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Jan 18, 2024
Favourite
Favourite is a term for something chosen above all others.
His favourite book is 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.'
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Jan 18, 2024
Favorite
One that is trusted, indulged, or preferred above all others, especially by a superior
A favorite of the monarch.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favourite
Preferred or liked above all others unless qualified.
This is my second favourite occupation.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favourite
Belonging to a category whose members are all preferred or liked over nonmembers.
I just saw a movie with all my favourite actors in it.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favourite
A person or thing who enjoys special regard or favour.
The teacher's favourite always went first.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favourite
A contestant or competitor thought most likely to win.
You were my favourite to win the spelling competition.
She's the favourite, she'll probably be elected.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Favorite
A person or thing regarded with peculiar favor; one treated with partiality; one preferred above others; especially, one unduly loved, trusted, and enriched with favors by a person of high rank or authority.
Committing to a wicked favoriteAll public cares.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favourite
(in the plural) A short curl dangling over the temples, fashionable in the reign of Charles II.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favorite
Short curls dangling over the temples; - fashionable in the reign of Charles II.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favorite
The competitor (as a horse in a race) that is judged most likely to win; the competitor standing highest in the betting.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favorite
Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favourite
(Internet) To add to one's list of favourite items on a website that allows users to compile such lists.
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Jan 17, 2024
Favorite
Something regarded with special favor or liking;
That book is one of my favorites
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Favourite
Something regarded with special favor or liking;
That book is one of my favorites
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Favorite
Preferred above all others and treated with partiality;
The favored child
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Favourite
Preferred above all others and treated with partiality;
The favored child
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Favorite
Favorite refers to a person or thing that is especially liked.
Chocolate ice cream is my favorite dessert.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Favourite
Favourite can refer to a bookmarked website in British English.
I added the page to my favourites in the web browser.
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Jan 18, 2024
Favorite
Favorite can denote a competitor thought most likely to win.
The New York Yankees are my favorite to win the championship.
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Jan 18, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do Favorite and Favourite mean the same thing?
Yes, they have the same meaning but different spellings based on American and British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Is Favorite used in British English?
No, in British English, the spelling "Favourite" is used.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Is Favourite acceptable in American English writing?
While understandable, "Favourite" is not the standard spelling in American English; "Favorite" is preferred.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Are there any pronunciation differences between Favorite and Favourite?
No, both words are pronounced the same way.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Can Favorite be used as both a noun and an adjective?
Yes, Favorite can function as both a noun and an adjective in a sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
How do I know which spelling to use in academic writing?
Follow the spelling conventions of the English variant that the academic institution uses.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Should I change my spelling based on my audience?
Yes, it's advisable to use the spelling that aligns with your audience's form of English.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Will using the wrong variant affect the understanding of my writing?
Generally, no, as the meaning is the same, but it may affect the perceived correctness.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Can Favorite and Favourite be used interchangeably?
In general writing, they should not be used interchangeably due to regional spelling conventions.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
In multinational companies, which spelling is preferred?
It depends on the company's language policy and the composition of the audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
In digital platforms, which spelling should I use?
It depends on the platform's primary audience and language setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Is one spelling more correct than the other?
No, both are correct within their respective forms of English.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Is Favourite commonly used in all Commonwealth countries?
Generally, yes, but there might be exceptions based on local preferences.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Is there a difference in usage between Favorite and Favourite in sports?
No, the usage is the same but spelled according to American or British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Are there any other English words with similar American and British spelling differences?
Yes, many words differ slightly in spelling between American and British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
In online content writing, which spelling should I use?
Use the spelling that aligns with the majority of your audience's language preference.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Can I use British spelling if I'm an American writer?
You can, but it might be unconventional and not align with American English standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
No, both spellings are modern but reflect different historical linguistic developments.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Are there any specific fields where one spelling is always used?
In general, no, but certain publishers or industries may have specific preferences.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
Should I be consistent in using one spelling in a document?
Yes, consistency in spelling is important for clarity and professionalism in any document.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 10, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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