ADJ

firm, great, huge, particular, special, very
This painting is a particular favourite of mine. My very favourite film is 'The Wizard of Oz'
all-time, established, old, perennial, traditional
This movie is my all-time favourite. You will find all your old favourites in this book of poems
family, personal, popular

VERB + FAVOURITE

choose
If I had to choose a favourite, it would be Monet's 'Water Lilies'

PREP

~ for
The woods surrounding the estate were a favourite for family walks
~ among
He is a favourite among his teammates
~ with
The song is a firm favourite with their fans

ADJ

clear, firm, hot, odds-on, overwhelming, red-hot
She is odds-on favourite to win a coveted Academy Award
second
joint
even money
The horse is an even money favourite
2?1, etc.
Tiger Woods is 3?2 favourite to win the Million Dollar Challenge
home, local
cup, race, title

VERB + FAVOURITE

look, start (as)
The Brazilians still look firm favourites to take the title
emerge as

PREP

~ for
Jopanini is second favourite for Saturday's race, behind Bright Spark

PHRASES

favourite to win
The Spanish are the favourites to win