The phrase "This is by far my favorite" expresses an extremely strong and definitive personal preference, indicating that the speaker likes or prefers the item in question significantly more than any other comparable option. It signifies an undeniable top choice that stands out well above the rest.
Deconstructing the Phrase
To fully understand its impact, let's break down the individual components of this powerful statement:
- "This": Refers to a specific object, experience, song, movie, food, or anything else the speaker is currently discussing.
- "is": A straightforward verb indicating existence or identification.
- "by far": This is the crucial intensifier. When someone uses "by far," they are emphasizing that the difference between the item being discussed and all other similar items is very great. It underscores that this item is undoubtedly and definitively superior or preferred among its kind, leaving no room for close contenders. It highlights an overwhelming distinction, suggesting that the preference gap is substantial.
- "my favorite": This signifies a personal choice, meaning it is the one the speaker likes, enjoys, or prefers above all others.
Meaning in Context
When combined, "This is by far my favorite" conveys an unparalleled level of personal appreciation or preference. It's not just a favorite, or one of the favorites; it's the absolute top choice, with a noticeable and undeniable gap in preference between it and the next best option. The "by far" elevates "favorite" from a simple top choice to an exceptionally and demonstrably superior one in the speaker's eyes.
Practical Examples
This phrase is commonly used in various situations to express strong, undeniable preference:
- About a dish: "This lasagna is by far my favorite dish on the menu." (Meaning: No other dish on the menu comes close to how much I enjoy this lasagna; it's superior in my opinion.)
- About a book: "Out of all the fantasy novels I've read, The Hobbit is by far my favorite." (Meaning: The Hobbit stands head and shoulders above all other fantasy novels for me.)
- About a vacation spot: "Of all the places we've traveled, the beach house in Bali was by far my favorite." (Meaning: The Bali beach house provided an experience far superior to any other travel destination in the speaker's memory.)
- About a song: "This new song is by far my favorite track on the album." (Meaning: I like this particular song significantly more than all the other songs on this album.)
Using "by far" emphasizes a clear winner in a personal ranking, leaving little ambiguity about the speaker's top choice.
