Favorite vs. Favourite — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
"Favorite" and "Favourite" mean preferred above others, with "Favorite" being American English spelling and "Favourite" being British English spelling.

Difference Between Favorite and Favourite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Favorite" and "Favourite," while identical in meaning, signify a subtle, yet notable distinction in linguistic nuances between American and British English. "Favorite" is the preferred spelling in American English, utilized across the United States and regions adhering to its linguistic norms. On the other hand, "Favourite" is the spelling conventionally adopted in British English, pervading the United Kingdom and countries that align with its language standards.

Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Navigating through cultural and literary contexts, "Favorite" is often encountered in American literature, media, and communications, acting as a linguistic identifier of American English. Conversely, "Favourite" manifests prominently in British literatures and communications, signaling adherence to the British spelling system and presenting a hallmark of British English in written and spoken contexts.

Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
While both "Favorite" and "Favourite" depict a likeness or preference toward someone or something, their geographical dispersion and usage bear testament to the variances amidst American and British English. “Favorite” navigates through American publications, academics, and media, solidifying its standing in the American linguistic terrain. Meanwhile, “Favourite” embellishes British writings and dialogues, maintaining its consistency within British linguistic realms.

Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Interestingly, despite the spelling discrepancies, "Favorite" and "Favourite" interchangeably navigate through global English communications, being recognized and understood in varied English-speaking contexts. Both words, while retaining their regional spelling idiosyncrasies, converge in meaning, seamlessly communicating preferences and likes across diverse English-speaking platforms and audiences.

Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Employing "Favorite" or "Favourite" thus becomes a choice aligned with regional spelling conventions, embodying the rich, varied tapestry of English language and its geographically nuanced expressions. Both terms, while spelled differently, unite in conveying preferences, enriching English language with their universally understood meanings and regionally colored spellings.

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Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Favorite
Favourite

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Regional Usage
Used in American English
Used in British English

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Example Usage
My favorite color is blue.
My favourite color is blue

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International Recognition
Recognized globally but indicates American English
Recognized globally but indicates British English

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In Media and Literature
Found in American publications
Found in British publications

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Compare with Definitions
Favorite
Particularly Liked
Blue is a favorite color among boys.

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Favourite
Top Choice
Red is his favourite color.

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Favorite
Most Preferred
Pizza is my favorite food.

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Favourite
Cherished Above Others
Paris is my favourite city.

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Favorite
Champion or Winner
The team was the favorite to win.

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Favourite
Highly Liked
Chocolate is her favourite.

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Favorite
Treasured
That song is my favorite.

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Favourite
Most Cherished
This book is my favourite.

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Favorite
One that enjoys special favor or regard.

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Favourite
Predilection
My favourite hobby is reading.

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Favorite
One that is trusted, indulged, or preferred above all others, especially by a superior
A favorite of the monarch.

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Favourite
A favourite (British) or favorite (American English) was the intimate companion of a ruler or other important person. In post-classical and early-modern Europe, among other times and places, the term was used of individuals delegated significant political power by a ruler.

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Favorite
A contestant or competitor regarded as most likely to win.

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Favourite
Preferred or liked above all others unless qualified.
This is my second favourite occupation.

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Favorite
Liked or preferred above all others; regarded with special favor.

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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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Favorite
(American spelling) favourite

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Favourite
A person or thing who enjoys special regard or favour.
The teacher's favourite always went first.

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Favorite
(American spelling) favourite

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Favourite
A person who is preferred or trusted above all others.

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Favorite
(American spelling) favourite

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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.

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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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Favourite
(internet) A bookmark in a web browser.

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Favorite
Short curls dangling over the temples; - fashionable in the reign of Charles II.

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Favourite
(in the plural) A short curl dangling over the temples, fashionable in the reign of Charles II.

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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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Favourite
To favour.

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Favorite
Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child.

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Favourite
(Internet) To bookmark.

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Favorite
Something regarded with special favor or liking;
That book is one of my favorites

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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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Favorite
A special loved one

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Favourite
A competitor thought likely to win

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Favorite
A competitor thought likely to win

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Favourite
A special loved one

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Favorite
Appealing to the general public;
A favorite tourist attraction

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Favourite
Something regarded with special favor or liking;
That book is one of my favorites

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Favorite
Preferred above all others and treated with partiality;
The favored child

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Favourite
Appealing to the general public;
A favorite tourist attraction

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Favorite
Most Adored
My grandma is my favorite person.

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Favourite
Preferred above all others and treated with partiality;
The favored child

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Common Curiosities
Is "Favorite" used in the UK?
Rarely, "Favourite" is the common spelling in the UK.

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Oct 04, 2023
Is "Favourite" incorrect in the US?
Not incorrect, but "Favorite" is the standard US spelling.

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Oct 04, 2023
In international business, which is preferred?
It largely depends on the company's base or the client’s location.

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Do "Favorite" and "Favourite" have the same meaning?
Yes, they have the same meaning but different spellings based on the region.

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Oct 04, 2023
Can "Favorite" be used in official UK documents?
Yes, but "Favourite" is the standard and preferred usage.

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Does using "Favourite" in the US cause confusion?
No, it's understood but recognized as British English.

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Are there pronunciation differences?
Generally, no significant pronunciation difference exists between them.

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Is "Favorite" used in Canada?
Both can be seen, but "Favourite" is more traditional in Canada.

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Oct 04, 2023
How does Australia commonly spell it?
Australia typically uses the British spelling, "Favourite."

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Oct 04, 2023
Can I use "Favorite" and "Favourite" interchangeably in a text?
It’s advisable to stick to one spelling variant for consistency in a single text.

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Oct 04, 2023
In international exams, is one spelling preferred?
It depends on whether American or British English is specified or expected.

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Does the media maintain regional spelling?
Generally, yes – media outlets usually adhere to their regional spelling conventions.

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Oct 04, 2023
Are both forms taught in ESL courses?
Often, yes. Students might learn both but are usually taught one as the standard.

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Oct 04, 2023
Does software differentiate between the two spellings?
Yes, spelling check software usually adheres to either American or British English.

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Oct 04, 2023
Is one form older than the other?
No, the variations have coexisted since the divergence of British and American English.

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Oct 04, 2023
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.