favorite
Definitions
Liked best; preferred above all others
最喜爱的；最中意的
The person or thing one likes best
最喜爱的人或物
The competitor expected to win
被看好夺冠者；热门
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedfavor (goodwill that leans one way) + -ite ('the one who is...'). The favorite is the one your goodwill leans toward above all others — the most favored. As an adjective it modifies that thing (my favorite book); as a noun it names it (this is my favorite). In sport it sharpens to 'the one expected to win,' the contestant the odds already lean toward.
Root favor still carries 8 more wordsUsage Guide
Spelling: American favorite vs British favourite — same word. Sport/betting sense: 'the favorite' (often 'the hot favorite') is the one expected to win, the opposite of the underdog. Note the fixed phrase 'play favorites' — to treat some people better than others, an unfair sense inherited from favor.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Chocolate ice cream has always been my favorite.
- 2.
What's your favorite movie of all time?
- 3.
The home team went into the final as clear favorites.
- 4.
A good teacher tries hard not to play favorites.