Favorite vs Favourite
What’s the difference between them?
Favorite
Meaning:
A favorite is something or someone that is especially liked, enjoyed, or preferred.
Examples:
1.My favorite color is blue.
2.Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite treat.
3.John is my favorite member of the family.
Favourite
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in British English.
Examples:
1. My favourite food is pizza.
2. She has a favourite teddy bear that she carries everywhere.
3. That's my favourite song, I love it so much!
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Favorite
1. Beloved
2. Cherished
3. Precious
4. Adored
5. Dear
1. Least desirable
2. Disliked
3. Undesirable
4. Unfavorable
5. Not preferred
Favourite
1. Beloved
2. Cherished
3. Precious
4. Adored
5. Dear
1. Detested
2. Unliked
3. Unpopular
4. Disapproved of
5. Not favored
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Favorite", "Favourite".
1. Favorite is used in American English.
2. 'Favourite' is used in British English.
3. A mnemonic phrase to help remember this distinction is: 'If it's American, it doesn't have 'u''.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the word 'Favorite' be used?
Favorite is primarily used in American English, and can be used in situations when speaking about a person’s preferred choice or option. It can also be used to refer to someone’s beloved item or person. For example, 'My favorite color is blue.'
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'Favourite'?
Favourite is primarily used in British English and can be used in the same contexts as favorite. However, it has an extra connotation of affection, so it can be used in more emotional contexts. For example, 'My favourite pet is my cat.'
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, the two words are pronounced exactly the same way.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes is using one over the other because of their regional differences. People should make sure to use the appropriate word depending on the context and region they are in. Another common mistake is misplacing the accent on favorite, which has two: favorite (American English) and favourite (British English).
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. My ________ dessert is chocolate cake, hands down.
2. While watching British television shows, Ive noticed they spell ________ differently.
3. The New York Yankees are my dads ________ baseball team.
4. In England, tea is a ________ drink, especially in the afternoon.
5. Which is your ________ color: blue or green?
6. When I was studying abroad in London, fish and chips quickly became my ________ meal.
1. Favorite/Favourite
Explanation: Theres no specific reference to British or American context, so both favorite and favourite are acceptable.
2. Favourite
Explanation: The context mentions British television shows, indicating that the British spelling favourite is the appropriate choice.
3. Favorite
Explanation: The clue is New York Yankees, a baseball team from the US, suggesting that the American spelling favorite should be used.
4. Favourite
Explanation: The reference to England is the clue that the British spelling favourite is appropriate.
5. Favorite/Favourite
Explanation: No specific context is provided regarding British or American English, making both spellings correct.
6. Favourite
Explanation: The phrase studying abroad in London points toward British context, so favourite is the fitting choice.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.