Main Entry: ¹fa·vor·ite

Pronunciation: \ˈfā-v(ə-)rət, ˈfā-vərt, chiefly dialect ˈfā-və-ˌrīt\

Function: noun

Etymology: Italian favorito, past participle of favorire to favor, from favore favor, from Latin favor

Date: 1583

1 : one that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking; especially : a person who is specially loved, trusted, or provided with favors by someone of high rank or authority
2 : a competitor judged most likely to win