fa·vor·ite 
(fāvər-ĭt, fāvrĭt)
(fāvər-ĭt, fāvrĭt)n.
1.
a. One that enjoys special favor or regard.
b. One that is trusted, indulged, or preferred above all others, especially by a superior: a favorite of the monarch.
2. A contestant or competitor regarded as most likely to win.
adj.
Liked or preferred above all others; regarded with special favor.
[Obsolete French favorit, from Old Italian favorito, past participle of favorire, to favor, from favore, favor, from Latin favor; see FAVOR.]