favoritism
Americannoun
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the favoring of one person or group over others with equal claims; partiality.
to show favoritism toward the youngest child.
-
the state of being a favorite.
Etymology
Origin of favoritism
Explanation
A teacher who shows a clear preference for a particular student might be accused of favoritism, or favoring one person over others. The noun favoritism can simply describe the habit of preferring one particular person or group of people, but it often implies that it's done at the expense of other people. Your grandmother practices favoritism if she clearly likes one of her grandchildren best, and a politician is guilty of favoritism if she gives tax breaks to one group but not to others. The word favorite is at the root of favoritism, from the Latin root favere, "to show kindness to."
Vocabulary lists containing favoritism
Bunnicula
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The Killer Angels
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was a rich subject to which the authors returned in “Pinstripe Patronage: Political Favoritism From the Clubhouse to the White House … and Beyond,” published in 2011.
From New York Times • May 19, 2016
Favoritism, cronyism, and corruption would follow as day follows night.”
From Washington Post • Oct. 11, 2015
Q. Adult Parental Favoritism: My mother has always favored my sibling.
From Slate • Apr. 15, 2013
Q. Birthday Party Favoritism: The daughter of a friend of mine recently had her fifth birthday.
From Slate • Jan. 15, 2013
Favoritism was shown in listening to accusations, which were turned aside from friends or partisans.
From The Witch of Salem or Credulity Run Mad by Carter, F. A. (Freeland A.)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
