Preferred or given special treatment; regarded with approval or partiality. Something or someone that receives preferential consideration or support.
From Latin 'favor' meaning goodwill or support, through Old French 'favor'. The past participle form 'favored' developed in Middle English, following the pattern of other preference-related verbs.
The concept of divine favor in ancient cultures gave us the modern meaning of preference - originally, being 'favored' meant receiving blessing from gods or rulers. This explains why 'favorite' children were once literally believed to be blessed by higher powers.
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