Favoritism
/ˈfeɪ.vər.ɪˌtɪz.əm/noun
The practice of giving unfair preference to one person or group over others.
Did you know?The word comes through French from Latin *favere*, meaning “to show kindness” or “to favor,” a root tied to public approval and protective goodwill—not just bias.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
favere
“to show kindness, support, or goodwill”
Late Latin
Late Latin
favor
“goodwill, support, approval”
Old French
Old French
favor
“favor, grace, partiality”
16th Century
English
favourit(e)
“a person especially liked or favored”
18th Century
English
favoritism
“the practice of showing unfair favoritism”