# favored

/ˈfeɪvɝd/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/favored
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. preferred or liked

adjective · CEFR B2 · American English

liked more than others or given special treatment.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. having an advantage

adjective · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

having better conditions or more luck than others.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Blue is her favored color for decorating.
- The favored candidate for the job has ten years of experience in the field.
- While several theories were proposed, the favored explanation among researchers involves a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers during early childhood development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.