Do you know the correct way to spell the word “favorite”? It’s an easy mistake to make but an important error to put right!
Find out as we take a look at the spelling of “favourite vs favorite” in our expert guide.
How Do You Spell ‘Favorite’?
Before you write your next book report, let’s get back to basics. How do you spell “favorite”? This is what the Noah Webster dictionary says:
- A person or thing regarded with peculiar favor, preference, and affection; one greatly loved.
So, the American English spelling of the word is clearly “favorite.” But, what about the British English spelling?
Which Is the Correct Spelling in the British English Language?
Let’s check out the British English spelling of “favorite” in the Collins dictionary:
- If you describe one person as the favourite of another. You mean that the second person likes the first person a lot and treats them with special kindness.
British English spells the word “favourite,” with a “u” after the “o.” The difference in spelling will depend on whether you’re following British or American English.
Which Spelling Should I Use When Writing?
The spelling you should use will depend on the writing style you are following. If you are following American English spelling standards, the correct spelling is “favorite.”
However, if you’re complying with British English spellings, you must spell the word “favourite” with a “u.” It’s vital to follow the correct writing style to prevent appearing unprofessional when your professor reads your work, for example.
Why Is ‘Favorite’ Spelled Differently?
Both spellings of the word “favorite” mean the same. Their definition is the same and their pronunciation is identical. So, why is there any difference at all?
The reason for the difference in spelling is a common variation between American English and British English. The British lexicographer, Samuel Johnson, used the “-our” version of many words in the British dictionary. Other examples include the word “colour” and “neighbour.”
But Noah Webster wanted to make his mark on American English. So, he simplified spellings in the process. He deleted the extra letter and created an “-or” ending. This ending is a common variation of American English used today.
Is It Wrong To Use the Alternate Spelling of ‘Favorite’?
It is only wrong to use the alternate spelling of the word “favorite” if it contradicts your style guide. So, if you have an explanatory essay question, for example, that requires you to use American English, you must use the “-or” spelling.
What if you are writing a journalistic piece for a UK audience? Your style guide will stipulate that you use British English so you’d need the “-our” spelling. However, above all, it’s essential to use good sentence and writing flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the American spelling of ‘favorite’ missing a letter?
The American spelling of “favorite” includes an “-or” ending, as opposed to the British English language version of the noun. This is due to some spelling omissions caused by Noah Webster, to provide differentiations from UK English.
What spellings are different between American and British English?
The words “favorite” and “favourite” highlight one spelling difference with “-or” and “-our” endings.
But one of the most common variances in spellings is “-er” and “-re.” A key example of this spelling difference is “center” in the US and “centre” in the UK.
Additionally, US English uses the ending ‘-yze’ in contrast to the UK English ‘-yse’. Examples of this spelling variation include ‘analyze’ in American English and ‘analyse’ in British English. The main reason for this spelling difference is improved phonetics.
Which spelling of the word ‘favorite’ is used in Canada?
Canada follows British English guidance and so spells this word as “favourite.” The same pattern is seen with spellings such as “behaviour,” “labour,” and “colour.”
Which spelling of the word ‘favorite’ is used in Australia and New Zealand?
Australia and New Zealand also follow British English standards, spelling the word “favourite.” In fact, the US is an outlier here, going rogue to create its own spellings!
Use Smodin Now and Perfect the Spelling in Your Essays
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