If you’ve ever wondered whether favorite or favourite is the correct spelling, you’re not alone I’ve seen this small difference confuse many readers, especially when writing for an American or British audience. I’ve used both forms in different English contexts, and the key is knowing which variety of English you’re following.
So, which spelling should you use? The answer is simple: “favorite” is American English, while “favourite” is British English.
Quick Answer
Favorite and favourite are both correct.
- Favorite = American English
- Favourite = British English
Both mean the person or thing you like best or enjoy most.
Examples:
- American English: What is your favorite movie?
- British English: What is your favourite movie?
Neither spelling is wrong. Choose the form that matches the variety of English you are using.
Favorite vs Favourite: Main Difference
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Correct? | Best Used For | Example |
| favorite | Person or thing liked best | Yes | American English | “Pizza is my favorite food.” |
| favourite | Person or thing liked best | Yes | British English | “Pizza is my favourite food.” |
The difference is simply the spelling. Favourite contains the extra u, while favorite does not. Cambridge identifies favorite as the US spelling of favourite, and Oxford identifies favourite as the US-English favorite equivalent.
What Does Favorite Mean?
Favorite is the American English spelling. It describes a person or thing that someone likes more than others of the same kind.
It can be used as an adjective:
- “Blue is my favorite color.”
- “That is my favorite restaurant.”
- “She is my favorite teacher.”
- “This is my favorite book.”
- “What is your favorite song?”
It can also be used as a noun:
- “Chocolate cake is my favorite.”
- “Which one is your favorite?”
- “The movie quickly became a fan favorite.”
The word can also describe a competitor who is expected to win a competition or race, such as “the favorite to win.”
What Does Favourite Mean?
Favourite has exactly the same basic meaning as favorite. It is the spelling commonly used in British English.
Examples:
- “Blue is my favourite colour.”
- “That is my favourite restaurant.”
- “She is my favourite teacher.”
- “This is my favourite book.”
- “What is your favourite song?”
As a noun, you can also say:
- “Which one is your favourite?”
- “That song is one of my old favourites.”
- “She is the teacher’s favourite.”
The meaning does not change when you add the u. Only the regional spelling changes.
How to Use Favorite or Favourite
The easiest rule is to choose the spelling according to the type of English you are writing.
Use favorite in American English
Examples:
- “What is your favorite subject?”
- “This is my favorite restaurant.”
- “She bought her favorite snacks.”
- “That player is the favorite to win.”
Use favourite in British English
Examples:
- “What is your favourite subject?”
- “This is my favourite restaurant.”
- “She bought her favourite snacks.”
- “That player is the favourite to win.”
Keep the spelling consistent
A common writing mistake is mixing American and British spellings in the same piece of writing.
For example:
- Less consistent: “My favorite colour is blue.”
- American style: “My favorite color is blue.”
- British style: “My favourite colour is blue.”
If you choose American English, normally use related American spellings such as color. If you choose British English, use colour.
The goal is not to decide that one spelling is universally better. The goal is to use the spelling appropriate to your chosen variety of English.
Where to Use Favorite or Favourite
School Writing
Both forms are correct, but follow the spelling system expected by your school, teacher, textbook, or institution.
American English:
“My favorite subject is history.”
British English:
“My favourite subject is history.”
Formal Writing
Both spellings are acceptable when they match the variety of English being used.
For example:
“The museum is one of the city’s favorite attractions.”
or:
“The museum is one of the city’s favourite attractions.”
Emails
Use the spelling that matches your normal English style or the style used by your organization.
“The blue design is my favorite.”
or:
“The blue design is my favourite.”
Everyday Conversation
You can use either spelling in speech because the difference is mainly written. The pronunciation does not normally help you decide which spelling to write.
Messages and Social Media
Either spelling is fine.
- “This is my favorite song!”
- “This is my favourite song!”
Informal English also sometimes uses fave, a shortened form of favorite/favourite. Oxford labels fave as informal.
Professional Communication
Choose one regional spelling and stay consistent.
If your workplace follows American English, use favorite. If it follows British English, use favourite.
American English vs British English
The biggest difference is regional.
American English
Favorite is the standard spelling.
Examples:
- favorite color
- favorite movie
- favorite restaurant
- favorite teacher
- favorite book
British English
Favourite is the standard spelling.
Examples:
- favourite colour
- favourite film
- favourite restaurant
- favourite teacher
- favourite book
Canada
Canadian English can use both forms in different contexts, but favourite is commonly used. Oxford’s American dictionary notes that Canadian English usually uses favourite.
Australia and New Zealand
Favourite is generally used in Australian and New Zealand English, following the British-style spelling convention.
India and Pakistan
English usage in India and Pakistan generally follows British spelling conventions in formal and educational contexts, so favourite is commonly seen.
However, exposure to American English means favorite also appears, especially online, in software, and in international communication.
Why People Get Confused
People often wonder whether the extra u makes one spelling incorrect.
It does not.
The confusion happens because English has many words with different American and British spellings. For example:
- color / colour
- favor / favour
- honor / honour
- behavior / behaviour
- favorite / favourite
The spelling favorite is not a shortened version of favourite, and favourite is not a more formal version of favorite. They are regional spelling variants.
Another reason for confusion is that people may read American and British English regularly. A student might see favorite online but learn favourite at school, or vice versa.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Thinking one spelling is always wrong
Wrong: “Favourite is an incorrect spelling.”
Correct: “Favourite is the British spelling of favorite.”
Explanation: Both forms are standard. The correct choice depends on the English variety.
Mistake 2: Mixing regional spellings
Less consistent: “My favorite colour is blue.”
American style: “My favorite color is blue.”
British style: “My favourite colour is blue.”
Explanation: Try to keep your spelling system consistent throughout the same piece of writing.
Mistake 3: Adding an unnecessary extra letter
Wrong: “My favoruite book is this one.”
Correct: “My favourite book is this one.”
Explanation: The British spelling is favourite, not favoruite.
Mistake 4: Removing the wrong letters
Wrong: “This is my favrite movie.”
Correct: “This is my favorite movie.”
Explanation: The standard American spelling is favorite.
Mistake 5: Treating favorite as only an adjective
Incorrect idea: “Favorite can only describe something.”
Correct: “Favorite can be an adjective or a noun.”
For example:
“That is my favorite song.”
“Which song is your favorite?”
Real-Life Examples
At School
American:
“Math was my favorite subject.”
British:
“Maths was my favourite subject.”
At Work
American:
“This is my favorite part of the presentation.”
British:
“This is my favourite part of the presentation.”
While Traveling
American:
“That was my favorite place on the trip.”
British:
“That was my favourite place on the trip.”
In a Message
American:
“You have to try my favorite restaurant!”
British:
“You have to try my favourite restaurant!”
In Conversation
American:
“What is your favorite movie?”
British:
“What is your favourite film?”
When Ordering Food
American:
“Chocolate cake is my favorite dessert.”
British:
“Chocolate cake is my favourite dessert.”
In Sports
American:
“The team is the favorite to win.”
British:
“The team is the favourite to win.”
This use is slightly different from simply describing something you like. Here, favorite/favourite can refer to the person or team that is expected to win.
A Simple Decision Guide
Use this quick guide when you are unsure:
Are you writing in American English?
↓
Use favorite.
Are you writing in British English?
↓
Use favourite.
Are you following a specific school’s, company’s, publication’s, or organization’s style?
↓
Follow its preferred spelling.
Are you writing casually for an international audience?
↓
Either form is understandable, but choose one style and use it consistently.
Key Takeaways
- Favorite and favourite have the same meaning.
- Favorite is the standard American English spelling.
- Favourite is the standard British English spelling.
- Neither spelling is incorrect.
- Canadian English commonly uses favourite.
- British-style spelling is also common in Australia, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan.
- Choose one spelling system and remain consistent.
- Fave is an informal shortened form.
Easy Trick to Remember
Think of the u in favourite as a clue for UK English.
UK → favourite
US → favorite
So:
UK = favourite
US = favorite
It is not a perfect rule for every English word, but it works well for this spelling.
Mini Quiz
- Which spelling is standard in American English?
a) favourite
b) favorite - Which spelling is standard in British English?
a) favourite
b) favorite - Fill in the blank: “What is your ___ movie?”
a) favorite
b) favourite
Answer: Both can be correct, depending on the English variety. - Is “favourite” an incorrect spelling?
a) Yes
b) No - Which sentence uses American spelling?
a) “Blue is my favorite color.”
b) “Blue is my favourite colour.” - Which sentence uses British spelling?
a) “This is my favorite book.”
b) “This is my favourite book.”
Quiz Answers
- b) favorite
- a) favourite
- Both
- b) No
- a) “Blue is my favorite color.”
- b) “This is my favourite book.”
Related Confusing Words
- gray or grey
- color or colour
- favor or favour
- honor or honour
- behavior or behaviour
- canceled or cancelled
- traveling or travelling
- center or centre
FAQs About Favorite or Favourite
Is “favorite” correct?
Yes. Favorite is the standard American English spelling. It means a person or thing that you like best or enjoy most.
Is “favourite” correct?
Yes. Favourite is the standard British English spelling. It has the same meaning as favorite.
What is the difference between favorite and favourite?
There is no difference in meaning. The difference is mainly regional spelling: favorite is American English, while favourite is British English.
Which one should I use?
Use favorite if you are following American English. Use favourite if you are following British English. If your school, employer, or organization has a style preference, follow that.
Is “favorite” more informal than “favourite”?
No. Neither spelling is inherently more formal or informal. The choice is based mainly on regional English conventions.
Conclusion
Favorite and favourite are both correct spellings of the same word. Use favorite in American English and favourite in British English and other varieties that follow British spelling. The meaning stays the same. If you are writing for school, work, or publication, choose the spelling that matches the style you are expected to follow and use it consistently.
Sharpen Your English:
- Receive or Recieve | Confused Every Time You Type It? Here’s the Correct Answer
- Lice or Dandruff | Why That Itchy Scalp May Not Be What You Think
I am Marlowe Bennett, a writer who enjoys exploring ideas, practical guidance, and useful information that can make everyday learning easier. I like turning complicated topics into simple, clear, and engaging content. Through my writing, I aim to give readers helpful insights they can understand and use with confidence.
Books:
- The Practical Guide to Everyday Knowledge
- Small Ideas, Better Decisions
Nolan Everhart
Celeste Rowan