Favourite vs. Favorite highlights how American and British English share one language while differing in spelling and regional writing traditions.The United States and the United Kingdom are two countries linked by a common language, English, which is the most widely used language in both places.
Despite sharing the same English language, American English and British English show a clear distinction through subtle differences, linguistic differences, and spelling differences. These two varieties include different language varieties, national varieties, and forms of regional English, particularly in American spelling and British spelling. The English used in United States English and United Kingdom English can therefore produce spelling variations in common and widely used words. In my experience with editing writing for different audiences, the fact that the same word has a different appearance does not make either version a wrong version.
Nonetheless, the distinction between American forms and British forms matters, particularly when consistency is important.A good example is Favourite and favorite, two different spellings for the same thing. The correct form depends on the type of English you use: favourite follows British spelling, while favorite follows American spelling.
Favourite vs. Favorite: The Main Difference Explained
The main difference between favourite and favorite is the spelling.
| Word | Language Variety | Meaning |
| Favourite | British English | A person, thing, or choice that someone likes more than others |
| Favorite | American English | A person, thing, or choice that someone likes more than others |
The meaning does not change.
Whether you write:
“Chocolate ice cream is my favourite.”
or:
“Chocolate ice cream is my favorite.”
you are expressing the same preference.
The spelling depends on your audience.
If you are writing for readers in the United States, favorite is the expected spelling. If you are writing for readers in the United Kingdom, favourite is the natural choice.
This difference appears in many areas:
- Blog writing
- School assignments
- Business documents
- Books
- Newspapers
- Marketing materials
- Website content
Consistency matters more than choosing one spelling over the other.
A British reader will understand favorite, and an American reader will understand favourite. However, mixing both forms in the same piece of writing can make your work look inconsistent.
What Does Favourite Mean?
Favourite Meaning in British English
The word favourite means something or someone that you prefer above others.
It describes a person, object, activity, place, or idea that holds a special position compared with other options.
For example:
- “This is my favourite restaurant in London.”
- “She is my favourite author.”
- “Blue has always been my favourite color.”
In British English, favourite works as both an adjective and a noun.
Favourite as an Adjective
When used as an adjective, favourite describes a noun.
Examples:
- My favourite movie is a classic comedy.
- His favourite football team won the match.
- That is her favourite song.
The word tells the reader that something receives special preference.
Favourite as a Noun
When used as a noun, favourite refers to the preferred person or thing itself.
Examples:
- “Vanilla is my favourite.”
- “She is the teacher’s favourite.”
- “Which one is your favourite?”
In these sentences, the noun being discussed is already understood.
For example:
“Which dessert is your favourite?”
The listener already knows the conversation is about desserts, so the word “dessert” does not need to be repeated.
What Does Favorite Mean?
Favorite Meaning in American English
The word favorite has exactly the same meaning as favourite. The difference is only spelling.
American English uses the shorter form because many American spelling conventions remove letters that are not necessary for pronunciation.
Examples:
- “Pizza is my favorite food.”
- “She is my favorite actress.”
- “This is my favorite place to visit.”
Like favourite, the American spelling can function as both an adjective and a noun.
Favorite as an Adjective
Examples:
- My favorite book changed my perspective.
- Basketball is his favorite sport.
- That restaurant serves my favorite meal.
Favorite as a Noun
Examples:
- “The blue jacket is my favorite.”
- “This song remains my favorite.”
- “Who is your favorite?”
The meaning stays identical. Only the spelling changes.
Why Does Favourite Have a “U” but Favorite Does Not?
The History Behind Favourite vs. Favorite
The spelling difference between favourite and favorite comes from the historical development of English.
The word originally came from the Latin word favor, which entered English through French influence. Over time, English speakers developed different spelling preferences in different regions.
British English generally kept many traditional spellings influenced by French.
That is why British English uses:
- Colour
- Honour
- Favourite
- Behaviour
American English often simplified these words by removing letters that do not affect pronunciation.
This created:
- Color
- Honor
- Favorite
- Behavior
The change was not about making one version better. It was mainly about creating a simpler and more consistent spelling system.
Favourite vs. Favorite: British English vs. American English
English is spoken around the world, but different countries follow different spelling standards.
British English Uses Favourite
In the United Kingdom, favourite is the accepted spelling.
Examples:
- “Football is my favourite sport.”
- “This is my favourite restaurant.”
- “Who is your favourite singer?”
British publications, schools, and organizations generally use this spelling.
Countries that often follow British spelling include:
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Ireland (often influenced by British conventions)
American English Uses Favorite
In the United States, favorite is the standard spelling.
Examples:
- “Baseball is my favorite sport.”
- “This is my favorite restaurant.”
- “Who is your favorite singer?”
American dictionaries, schools, and businesses use this spelling.
Examples of American spelling patterns include:
| British English | American English |
| Favourite | Favorite |
| Colour | Color |
| Neighbour | Neighbor |
| Centre | Center |
| Theatre | Theater |
Favourite vs. Favorite in Canadian English
Canadian English creates an interesting middle ground because Canada has strong connections with both British and American English.
In many cases, Canadians prefer British-style spellings.
For example:
- Favourite
- Colour
- Neighbour
However, Canadian English also accepts some American influences, especially in business, technology, and popular culture.
A Canadian writer may use:
“My favourite movie is this year’s best release.”
This spelling is completely normal in Canada.
The important lesson is that English does not have only one worldwide spelling system. Different regions develop their own accepted standards.
Favourite vs. Favorite as an Adjective
How to Use Favourite and Favorite Before a Noun
The most common use of these words is as adjectives.
They appear before nouns to show preference.
The basic pattern is:
Possessive word + favourite/favorite + noun
Examples:
- My favourite book
- Her favorite restaurant
- Their favourite holiday
- His favorite athlete
Here are more examples:
| British English | American English |
| My favourite movie is Titanic. | My favorite movie is Titanic. |
| Her favourite color is green. | Her favorite color is green. |
| Their favourite hobby is gardening. | Their favorite hobby is gardening. |
The sentence structure stays the same. Only the spelling changes.
Conclusion
Both favourite and favorite are correct spellings, and neither changes the meaning of the word. The main difference comes from the type of English you use. Favourite is generally used in British English, while favorite is the standard spelling in American English.
FAQs
Is it favourite or favorite?
Both are correct. Favourite is the preferred spelling in British English, while favorite is used in American English.
Why are there two spellings?
The difference developed because British and American English have different spelling conventions. This is one of many regional spelling variations between the two forms of English.
Is favourite British or American?
Favourite is the British English spelling. It is also commonly used in other regions that follow British spelling conventions.
Is favorite American or British?
Favorite is the standard American English spelling.
Do favourite and favorite have the same meaning?
Yes. Both words can describe something that is especially liked or preferred. They have the same definition despite their different spellings.
Can favourite and favorite be used as nouns and adjectives?
Yes. As a noun, the word refers to a person or thing that is especially well liked. As an adjective, it means preferred above others.
Which spelling should I use in my writing?
Use favorite when writing for an American audience and favourite when following British English conventions. Most importantly, stay consistent with the spelling style you choose.
