Ask Difference

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.
Favorite vs. Favourite — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Favorite and Favourite

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Comparison Chart

Spelling

Favorite
Favourite

Regional Usage

Used in American English
Used in British English

Example Usage

My favorite color is blue.
My favourite color is blue

International Recognition

Recognized globally but indicates American English
Recognized globally but indicates British English

In Media and Literature

Found in American publications
Found in British publications

Compare with Definitions

Favorite

Particularly Liked
Blue is a favorite color among boys.

Favourite

Top Choice
Red is his favourite color.

Favorite

Most Preferred
Pizza is my favorite food.

Favourite

Cherished Above Others
Paris is my favourite city.

Favorite

Champion or Winner
The team was the favorite to win.

Favourite

Highly Liked
Chocolate is her favourite.

Favorite

Treasured
That song is my favorite.

Favourite

Most Cherished
This book is my favourite.

Favorite

One that enjoys special favor or regard.

Favourite

Predilection
My favourite hobby is reading.

Favorite

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

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.

Favorite

A contestant or competitor regarded as most likely to win.

Favourite

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

Favorite

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

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.

Favorite

(American spelling) favourite

Favourite

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

Favorite

(American spelling) favourite

Favourite

A person who is preferred or trusted above all others.

Favorite

(American spelling) favourite

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.

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.

Favourite

(internet) A bookmark in a web browser.

Favorite

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

Favourite

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

Favorite

The competitor (as a horse in a race) that is judged most likely to win; the competitor standing highest in the betting.

Favourite

To favour.

Favorite

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

Favourite

(Internet) To bookmark.

Favorite

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

Favourite

(Internet) To add to one's list of favourite items on a website that allows users to compile such lists.

Favorite

A special loved one

Favourite

A competitor thought likely to win

Favorite

A competitor thought likely to win

Favourite

A special loved one

Favorite

Appealing to the general public;
A favorite tourist attraction

Favourite

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

Favorite

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

Favourite

Appealing to the general public;
A favorite tourist attraction

Favorite

Most Adored
My grandma is my favorite person.

Favourite

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

Common Curiosities

Is "Favorite" used in the UK?

Rarely, "Favourite" is the common spelling in the UK.

Is "Favourite" incorrect in the US?

Not incorrect, but "Favorite" is the standard US spelling.

In international business, which is preferred?

It largely depends on the company's base or the client’s location.

Do "Favorite" and "Favourite" have the same meaning?

Yes, they have the same meaning but different spellings based on the region.

Can "Favorite" be used in official UK documents?

Yes, but "Favourite" is the standard and preferred usage.

Does using "Favourite" in the US cause confusion?

No, it's understood but recognized as British English.

Are there pronunciation differences?

Generally, no significant pronunciation difference exists between them.

Is "Favorite" used in Canada?

Both can be seen, but "Favourite" is more traditional in Canada.

How does Australia commonly spell it?

Australia typically uses the British spelling, "Favourite."

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.

In international exams, is one spelling preferred?

It depends on whether American or British English is specified or expected.

Does the media maintain regional spelling?

Generally, yes – media outlets usually adhere to their regional spelling conventions.

Are both forms taught in ESL courses?

Often, yes. Students might learn both but are usually taught one as the standard.

Does software differentiate between the two spellings?

Yes, spelling check software usually adheres to either American or British English.

Is one form older than the other?

No, the variations have coexisted since the divergence of British and American English.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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.

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