The Spanish word 'favorito' (meaning 'favorite') has its roots in Latin. It starts with the Latin verb 'favere' meaning 'to favor or support'. This verb combined with the Latin suffix '-or' (indicating a result) formed the Latin noun 'favor', meaning 'favor' or 'support'. When this word entered Spanish as 'favor', it was later combined with the Spanish diminutive/participial suffix '-ito' to create 'favorito', which specifically refers to someone or something that is favored above others – a favorite.

A simpler and very common Spanish word that shares this etymology is 'favor', meaning exactly what it sounds like - 'favor' or 'kindness'. You might hear this in common Spanish phrases like 'por favor' (please) or 'hacer un favor' (to do a favor). Understanding that 'favorito' is essentially something or someone that receives favor can help you remember its meaning.

English speakers will find it easy to remember 'favorito' because it's closely related to several English words that come from the same Latin root 'favere'. These include 'favor', 'favorite', 'favorable', and 'favored'. The connection is quite straightforward – just as in English, something that is 'favorito' is favored or preferred above others. The main difference is just the Spanish suffix '-ito' instead of the English '-ite'.