Words / C1

FAYV-uh-rit-iz-uh-m/ˈfeɪvərɪtɪzəm/

Favouritism is unfair preference for one person or group (UK spelling): accusations of favouritism, favouritism on the rota. Favour (already in the dictionary) is a kind act or support, not this vice; “discretion” is not a staffing minute.

Meaning

Unfair preference for one person or group (UK spelling).

Examples

• “Favouritism on the night rota is a staffing minute, not “discretion”.”
• “Bias is the close twin. Partiality is a cousin. Discretion is a slogan. A named grid is a file. Rotate by rule; then call it discretion if the board still wants a softer noun.”

Good to know

Unfair preference (UK). Related: favour (already in the dictionary). “Discretion” ≠ a fair rota.

Near in meaning

bias, partiality, nepotism

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