In America, the word "favourite" is spelled favorite, without the letter "u". This spelling convention is distinct to the United States, while "favourite" with the "u" is standard in most other English-speaking countries.
The American Spelling: "Favorite"
The primary spelling of the word in American English is favorite. This reflects a broader pattern of spelling simplification adopted in the United States, which often omits the "u" from words that contain "our" in British English. Both "favorite" and "favourite" refer to the same concept: something preferred above all others, or a person or thing regarded with special favor or preference.
Key characteristics of American English spelling, as seen with "favorite," include:
- Simplification: A general tendency to streamline words by removing superfluous letters.
- Phonetic Alignment: Often, spellings are more aligned with how words are pronounced.
- Consistency: Efforts to standardize spellings to reduce irregularities.
"Favorite" vs. "Favourite": A Global Comparison
While "favorite" is used exclusively in the United States, "favourite" is the preferred spelling in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth nations. This difference extends to many other words of similar origin.
Here's a comparison of common American and British English spellings:
| American English (US) | British English (UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) |
|---|---|
| Favorite | Favourite |
| Color | Colour |
| Honor | Honour |
| Labor | Labour |
| Neighbor | Neighbour |
| Realize | Realise |
| Organize | Organise |
| Theater | Theatre |
| Center | Centre |
Why the Difference? Historical Context
The divergence in spelling can largely be attributed to Noah Webster, an American lexicographer who published A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language in 1806 and his more extensive An American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828. Webster sought to reform English spelling, aiming to make it more logical, phonetic, and distinct from British English, reflecting America's cultural independence.
He advocated for spellings that were:
- More phonetic (e.g., music instead of musick).
- Simpler (e.g., honor instead of honour).
- Consistent (e.g., center instead of centre for consistency with meter).
This systematic approach led to many of the spelling differences we observe today, including the change from "favourite" to "favorite."
Practical Usage and Examples
When writing for an American audience or within an American context, it is crucial to use the favorite spelling. Conversely, for British, Canadian, or Australian audiences, "favourite" is appropriate. Consistency within a document is key.
Here are examples using the American spelling:
- "My favorite book is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'."
- "What's your favorite kind of pizza?"
- "She's my favorite person to work with on this project."
- "The team played with great favor from the home crowd."
Understanding these regional spelling variations helps ensure clear and appropriate communication, especially in global contexts. For further exploration of English spelling differences, resources like Merriam-Webster and Oxford Learner's Dictionaries provide comprehensive information.
