Is it favorite or favourite? Or is it …both? Keep reading to find out.
Is it “favorite” or “favourite”?
Favorite and favourite are both correct spellings of the noun or verb or adjective meaning “a person or thing that you like more than the others of the same type”.
My favorite color is blue.
Her favourite book is “Pride and Prejudice”.
My favourite color is green.
Her favorite band is The Beatles.
- UK English spells “favourite” with the “u”.
- US English spells “favorite” without the “u”.
Other “-our”/”-or” words
Other words that share the “-our” / “-or” suffix follow the same spelling conventions:
| UK English | US English |
| favour | favor |
| labour | labor |
| behaviour | behavior |
| colour | color |
| neighbour | neighbor |
| endeavour | endeavor |
Other forms of favourite/favorite
Other verb/noun forms of colour/color follow the same spelling conventions based on US/UK English:
| US English | favored, favoritism, favoring. |
|---|---|
| UK English | favoured, favouritism, favouring. |
Sentences with the noun favourite/favorite
The band played all my old favourites/favorites.
My very favourite/favorite film is ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
The movie has become a cult favourite/favorite.
This song is an old favourite/favorite of mine.
Remember the simple rule: Use “favourite” in UK English and “favorite” in US English. Think of the “u” as representing the UK.
Sentences with the verb favourite/favorite
Summer is undoubtedly my favourite/favorite season.
English is Ashley’s favourite/favorite school subject.
What is your all-time favourite/favorite song?
January is my least favourite/favorite month.
Synonyms of favourite/favorite
- selection
- preference
- pick
Origin of the word favourite/favorite
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’).
Learn more about US English vs. UK English
- Is it Spelled Metre or Meter?
- Which is Correct: Honour or Honor?
- Is it “Behaviour” or “Behavior”?
- Is it “Labour” or “Labor”?
- Color or Colour (Which is Correct?)
- Favour or Favor (Which is Correct?)
Sources
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of favorite.” Online Etymology Dictionary, Accessed 29 January, 2024.
This simple “u” difference highlights a broader distinction in spelling conventions between American and British English. Understanding this difference goes beyond just “favorite” versus “favourite”; it’s crucial for effective communication and avoiding potential misunderstandings, particularly in professional writing or international collaborations. Consistency is key; once you’ve chosen a spelling convention (either American or British), maintain it throughout your document. Switching between the two mid-sentence or even mid-paragraph can look sloppy and unprofessional.
Let’s delve deeper into the practical application of these spelling variations. Imagine you’re writing an email to a British colleague. Using “favorite” might seem slightly jarring, akin to a grammatical faux pas in their eyes. Conversely, using “favourite” in an American context might appear equally out of place. The best practice is to consider your target audience and tailor your spelling accordingly. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and clarify your preferred spelling convention early on in any formal communication.
Beyond the core words, consider the derived forms. The “-our”/-“or” distinction extends to related words like “honour” (UK) / “honor” (US), “humour” (UK) / “humor” (US), and “glamour” (UK) / “glamor” (US). These consistent variations underscore the importance of understanding the underlying spelling rules. Pay attention to these nuances, especially when using spell-checkers, as they might not always correctly identify the intended spelling based on your chosen dialect. Always proofread carefully!
Furthermore, the differences extend beyond just spelling. While the meaning remains consistent, the subtle pronunciation variations can impact the overall flow and tone of your writing. The added “u” in the British spelling might slightly alter the emphasis or rhythm of a sentence, particularly when read aloud. Consider this when crafting impactful and engaging content.
Finally, remember that this isn’t a matter of one being “right” and the other “wrong.” Both “favorite” and “favourite” are perfectly acceptable within their respective linguistic contexts. The key is to understand the context and choose the spelling that best suits your audience and purpose. Embrace the richness and diversity of the English language, but strive for clarity and consistency in your writing. By understanding these subtle differences, you can elevate your writing and ensure your message resonates effectively with your intended audience, regardless of their geographical location.
Work Sheet
What is the primary difference between the spellings “favorite” and “favourite” according to the blog post?
In which region is “favourite” the standard spelling?
According to the post, which spelling is considered incorrect in US English?
The post mentions that other words follow the same spelling pattern. Which of these words is listed as an example pair?
If you are writing for a US audience, which spelling convention should you consistently use for the word meaning “most liked”?
In British English, the spelling for the word meaning “color” is .
The American spelling for the word meaning “good conduct” is .
When writing for a British audience, you should use the spelling for the word meaning “most liked”.
Using “favourite” in a text specifically intended for a US audience is considered in US English according to the post.
The post suggests remembering the simple rule: use “favourite” in UK English and “favorite” in US English, thinking of the as representing the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are “favorite” and “favourite” both right?
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When should I use “favourite”?
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When should I use “favorite”?
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Do other ‘-our/-or’ words follow this rule?
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Do other forms like “favored” follow the rule?
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Yash, D. "Which is it: “Favorite” or “Favourite”?." Grammarflex, Jun 15, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/which-is-it-favorite-or-favourite/.
