Word
favored
Phoneticsfa·vored, stress on the first syllable
/ˈfeɪvɝd/
UK spelling · favoured
Definitions
01preferred or liked
B2 · Upper Intermediate American English
adj. liked more than others or given special treatment.
adj. regarded with particular approval or preference; often used to describe a candidate or option with the best chance of success.
“The blue team was the favored choice to win the tournament this year.”
“Despite the lack of formal endorsement, she remained the favored candidate among the younger demographic of the electorate.”
Usage
Commonly used before a noun to indicate a status of preference.
02having an advantage
C1 · Advanced American English · Formal
adj. having better conditions or more luck than others.
adj. endowed with special advantages or privileges; often used in social or economic contexts.
“Children from favored backgrounds often have better access to private tutors.”
“The report highlights how certain favored industries received significant tax breaks while smaller businesses struggled to survive.”
Teaching tip
In this context, the word implies a systemic or unfair advantage rather than just being liked.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Early voting, whether in person or by mail, were methods typically favored by older Michigan voters who chose Stevens.” “The following day, in an all-capital letter post similar in style and language to those favored by the president, it wrote: “Our maps are big and beautiful.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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