English Reference
adjective

favored

adj.
US /ˈfeɪvɝd/ fa·vored UK spelling favoured

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    liked more than others or given special treatment.

    regarded with particular approval or preference; often used to describe a candidate or option with the best chance of success.

    Simple

    The blue team was the favored choice to win the tournament this year.

    In context

    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. 02 C1 Advanced American EnglishFormal

    having better conditions or more luck than others.

    endowed with special advantages or privileges; often used in social or economic contexts.

    Simple

    Children from favored backgrounds often have better access to private tutors.

    In context

    The report highlights how certain favored industries received significant tax breaks while smaller businesses struggled to survive.

    Teacher's tip

    In this context, the word implies a systemic or unfair advantage rather than just being liked.

    privilegedadvantaged

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.

The Guardian· 1 Sept 2026

Early voting, whether in person or by mail, were methods typically favored by older Michigan voters who chose Stevens.

The Conversation· 12 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated