Fave
/feɪv/noun
An informal shortening of “favorite,” meaning a person or thing preferred above others.
Did you know?“Favorite” originally referred to a person specially favored by a ruler or powerful patron before it became a general word for something preferred.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
favēre
“To show favor, support, or goodwill toward someone”
Classical Latin
Latin
favor
“Approval, goodwill, or an act of support”
12th–13th Century
Old French
favor
“Favor, goodwill, or special treatment”
Middle English
English
favour
“Goodwill, support, or preferential treatment”
16th Century
English
favorite
“A person especially favored by a ruler or powerful patron”
20th Century
English
fave
“Informal clipped form of “favorite””