Favouritism is when you treat one person or group better than others, and it is not fair. The extra help, praise, or chances go to someone you already like. Though actually, liking one person more is ordinary; favouritism is when that liking starts to change the rules. A teacher who always calls on one student, a boss who gives the easy jobs to a friend, a parent who never scolds one child: those are the everyday pictures. In hiring, promotions, and politics the word gets heavier. People use it when someone is chosen or protected because of who they know, not because they earned it. It often sounds like a complaint — you accuse someone of favouritism. It is a little formal, but you will hear it at school and at work. British spelling keeps the u; American spelling is favoritism. Same word, same meaning.

偏袒、偏心、徇私