favourite

/ ˈfeɪvrɪt, ˈfeɪvərɪt /

adjective

1. (prenominal) most liked; preferred above all others

noun

1. 1. a person or thing regarded with especial preference or liking

   2. ( as modifier )

      a favourite book

2. sport a competitor thought likely to win

3. (pl) computing a place on certain browsers that allows internet users to list the addresses of websites they find and like with a click of the mouse so that they can revisit them merely by opening the list and clicking on the address

4. to display favouritism

Word History and Origins

Origin of favourite¹

C16: from Italian favorito , from favorire to favour, from Latin favēre

Example Sentences

Cameroon's Paul Biya, already the world's oldest head of state, is the favourite to win Sunday's presidential election, handing him an eighth term in power in the central African country.

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He impressed at Lyon and won silverware in Spain before becoming a favourite in Brazil.

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Chelsea were favourites heading into the tie, having put nine goals past the Dutch champions across two group-stage meetings last season.

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Big Brother referred to one moment in the game when he was asked about his least favourite qualities of other housemates.

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The tree-lined street that ran beside it was once a favourite place for courting couples, eager to avoid Gaza's socially conservative gaze.

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