Fav vs. Fave — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Fav" and "Fave" are both informal abbreviations for the word "favorite." Their usage is largely interchangeable, with "Fave" being slightly more phonetically indicative of the original word.
Difference Between Fav and Fave
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Key Differences
Both "Fav" and "Fave" are colloquial abbreviations that have emerged in informal speech and writing to denote the word "favorite." They have seen significant use, particularly in the age of digital communication where shortening words is common.
"Fav" is a more direct abbreviation, truncating the word "favorite" just after the first syllable. It's concise, making it a quick choice in fast-paced platforms like texting or social media. If one were to read a message saying, "What's your fav movie?", it would be instantly clear that the sender is asking about a favorite film.
On the other hand, "Fave" adds an 'e' at the end, making it phonetically closer to the word "favorite." This might provide clarity in instances where pronunciation aids comprehension. For instance, "That song is my absolute fave!" gives a reader a clearer vocal cue about the word's origin.
Regardless of the slight differences, the choice between "Fav" and "Fave" largely boils down to personal preference. Some might find "Fav" quicker to type, while others might lean towards "Fave" for its phonetic likeness to "favorite." In the grand scheme, both convey the same meaning and are interchangeable in most informal contexts.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Abbreviation of "favorite"
Phonetically indicative abbreviation of "favorite"
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Length
Shorter at 3 letters
Slightly longer at 4 letters
Pronunciation cue
Direct abbreviation, less phonetically indicative
Closer in sound to "favorite"
Usage
Common in quick texts and tweets
Common in speech and writing where sound matters
Flexibility
Primarily a written form
Used both in speech and writing
Compare with Definitions
Fav
A preferred choice among several options.
Out of all these dresses, the blue one is my fav.
Fave
An informal term synonymous with "favorite".
That's my fave book of all time!
Fav
A brief form representing the word "favorite".
Chocolate ice cream is my fav.
Fave
A term used to describe something or someone greatly admired or loved.
This vacation spot is a family fave.
Fav
A slang term denoting something or someone particularly liked.
This cafe is my fav spot in town.
Fave
A shortened version of "favorite", often used in casual conversation.
I can't decide which is my fave song by that band.
Fav
A term indicating strong liking or preference.
This song is a definite fav on my playlist.
Fave
A colloquial expression indicating a top choice.
Pizza is my fave, especially with extra cheese.
Fav
An abbreviation used predominantly in digital communications.
I just watched a movie that's my new fav.
Fave
The Fave is a river in France in the eastern region of Lorraine. It flows in the Vosges département.
Fav
Alternative spelling of fave
Fave
Short for favourite
A playlist of classic disco faves
She rattles off the names of her fav celebs
My fave team has to be Nottingham Forest
Fav
Alternative spelling of fave
Fave
Short for favourite
She rattles off the names of her fav celebs
My fave team has to be Nottingham Forest
A playlist of classic disco faves
Fav
Alternative spelling of fave
Fave
One that is preferred above others or likely to win; a favorite.
Fave
Favorite.
Fave
(informal) Favorite (US) or favourite (UK).
Fave
(informal) Favorite (US) or favourite (UK)
Fave
(informal) Favorite (US) or favourite (UK)
Fave
A word reflecting a special fondness or preference.
That actress is my absolute fave in Hollywood.
Common Curiosities
Can I use "Fave" in speech?
Yes, "Fave" is often used in casual speech due to its phonetic likeness to "favorite."
Is "Fave" a newer term than "Fav"?
Both have been around for a while, but their popularity in digital communication has grown recently.
Can I use "Fav" in formal writing?
It's best to use "favorite" in formal contexts and save "Fav" for informal communication.
Are "Fav" and "Fave" standard English words?
No, they are informal abbreviations of "favorite."
Does "Fav" and "Fave" have the same meaning?
Yes, both represent the word "favorite."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
