Who is the favorite? This is one who enjoys the favor of a more powerful and influential person. What language did the word come from? First of all, the English word favorite comes to mind. A widely used token is capable of playing the role of both an adjective and a noun. And it has a Latin origin. Like many other words used for several centuries by the French, Germans, English and Russians. So, in what cases is the " favorite " used ?
The meaning of the word in Latin and English
The ancient Romans used " favorito" when they wanted to tell about something good, pleasant. Translated from Latin, this word means " favor. " English favorite - “favorite”, “liked”, “favorite”, “loved”. As an adjective, it is more often used in relation to inanimate objects.
When we visit a site and see an interesting article, add the page to the Bookmarks. English-speaking users do this too. Their bookmark is called Favorite. The word is also appropriate where it comes to the collection of the best works of a writer or poet. The token seems to be applicable in all cases of life.
In other languages
Latinism is also used by Germans and French. And everywhere it is written the same way. The sound, however, is different. Although in German there are two options - favorite and favorit. The first translates as " favorite. " The second - in different ways, depending on the context: sometimes “ favorite ” , “ favorite ” , “ applicant ” , and sometimes - “ securities ” .
The adjective, borrowed from Latin, has a positive connotation in European languages. In what literary works does the word favorite appear? This issue requires a more detailed consideration. And now we will give examples exclusively in our native language.
Horse racing
A favorite pastime of the Russian nobility was the test of horses for endurance, agility and speed. The event was held at the hippodrome and, of course, was accompanied by cash rates. A favorite is a horse on which a nobleman had high hopes. He did not put money on it in order to earn money, but rather in order to amuse himself with pride.
In a similar way, leisure was, of course, spent by aristocrats not only in Russia, but also in other countries. And above all, in England - the homeland of a sophisticated form of entertainment. In the eighties in Vyborg a society was created under the name " Favorite " . This is a sports organization. It should be noted that it is not related to equestrian sport.
What word can replace " favorite " ? There are several synonyms: " favorite " , " favorite " and so on. Nevertheless, the aristocrat did not name the horse he had bet on as his favorite. In some cases, this word is irreplaceable. Recall one of the chapters of " Anna Karenina. "
Due to Vronsky's fault, an English blood mare named Frou-Frou gets seriously injured. But neither horse nor favorite of the count can be called a horse. Vronsky’s beloved was not killed by excitement, but by unbridled passion - the one that would subsequently cause Karenina to commit suicide. And no one made any bets here.
The phenomenon of absolutism
Favorite - in some cases, the same as a favorite. But this is not a synonym for the word " beloved " . The feeling experienced by an influential person in relation to a favorite cannot be absolutely mutual.
Favoritism arose in France. Later it was developed in Russia, experienced the greatest flowering under Catherine II. The question of whether this phenomenon has negative consequences is rhetorical. Catherine II spent over 90 million rubles on the maintenance of her favorites, and she had more than ten at different times. By the way, contrary to popular belief, the royal person might not have been in an intimate relationship with her favorite.
In order to get a deeper understanding of the phenomenon, which in various manifestations takes place in modern society, it is worth reading the book of V. Pikul .