This is the 3235th most frequent Japanese word.
好む
"To like" or "to prefer."
In this sentence, '好む' is used as a verb meaning 'to like' or 'to prefer', indicating a general preference for sports.
彼はスポーツを好む。
He likes sports.
In this example, '好む' expresses a preference for certain conditions, in this case, quiet surroundings.
私は静かな環境を好む。
I prefer quiet environments.
Here, '好む' describes a characteristic or tendency of a person, indicating that she generally likes challenges.