( BrE ) ( NAmE fa·vor·ite ) / ˈfeɪvərɪt; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
liked more than others of the same kind :
It's one of my favourite movies.
Who is your favourite writer?
January is my least favourite month.
➡ note at choice
•
IDIOMS
- sb's favourite son
■ noun
1.
a person or thing that you like more than the others of the same type :
These biscuits are great favourites with the children.
This song is a particular favourite of mine.
The band played all my old favourites .
Which one's your favourite?
The programme has become a firm favourite with young people.
2.
a person who is liked better by sb and receives better treatment than others :
She loved all her grandchildren but Ann was her favourite.
3.
favourite (for sth) | favourite (to do sth) the horse, runner, team, etc. that is expected to win :
The favourite came third.
Her horse is the hot favourite for the race.
AC Milan, the hot favourites to win the European Cup
4.
favourite (for sth) | favourite (to do sth) the person who is expected by most people to get a particular job or position :
She's the favourite for the job.
She's the favourite to succeed him as leader.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (as a noun): from obsolete French favorit , from Italian favorito , past participle of favorire to favour, from Latin favor , from favere show kindness to (related to fovere cherish).