favor

especially British, fa·vour

[fey-ver]

noun

1. something done or granted out of goodwill, rather than from justice or for remuneration; a kind act.

   to ask a favor.

2. friendly or well-disposed regard; goodwill.

   to win the favor of the king.

   Antonyms: malice, animosity

3. the state of being approved or held in regard.

   to be in favor at court; styles that are now in favor.

4. excessive kindness or unfair partiality; preferential treatment.

   to treat some people with favor and others with neglect.

5. a gift bestowed as a token of goodwill, kind regard, love, etc., as formerly upon a knight by his lady.

   Synonyms: present

6. a ribbon, badge, etc., worn in evidence of goodwill or loyalty, as by an adherent of a political party.

7. a small gift or decorative or festive item, as a noisemaker or paper hat, often distributed to guests at a party.

8. Usually favors. sexual intimacy, especially as permitted by a woman.

9. Archaic.,  a letter, especially a commercial one.

verb (used with object)

1. to regard with favor.

   to favor an enterprise.

   Synonyms: sanction, countenance, approve
   Antonyms: disapprove

2. to prefer; treat with partiality.

   The father favored his younger son.

3. to show favor to; oblige.

   The king favored him with an audience.

   Synonyms: patronize, encourage

4. to be favorable to; facilitate.

   The wind favored their journey.

5. to deal with, treat, or use gently.

   to favor a lame leg.

6. to aid or support.

   He favored his party's cause with ample funds.

   Synonyms: assist, help

7. to bear a physical resemblance to; resemble.

   to favor one's father's side of the family.

Other Word Forms

• favorer noun
• overfavor verb (used with object)
• prefavor noun
• unfavoring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of favor¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English favo(u)r, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin favōr- (stem of favor ) “goodwill,” derivative of favēre “to be favorably inclined” + -ōr- -or ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in one's favor, to one's credit or advantage.

   All the comments were in your favor.

2. in favor of,

   1. on the side of; in support of.

      to be in favor of reduced taxation.

   2. to the advantage of.

   3. (of a check, draft, etc.) payable to.

      Make out your checks in favor of the corporation.

3. find favor with, to gain the favor of; be liked by.

   The play found favor with the opening-night audience.

4. out of favor, no longer liked or approved; no longer popular or fashionable.

   He's out of favor with the president and may soon be fired.

see curry favor; in favor of; in favor with; in one's favor; out of favor; return the compliment (favor).

Synonym Study

Favor, goodwill imply a kindly regard or friendly disposition shown by an individual or group. Favor may be merely an attitude of mind: to look with favor on a proposal. Goodwill is more active and leads often to outward manifestations of friendly approval: By frequent applause the audience showed its goodwill toward the speaker.

Example Sentences

But after a cycle on the defensive, the group is targeting incumbents again in favor of working-class progressives who will shake up the status quo.

From Los Angeles Times

There are dozens of her favored shirt form, each made from the same sewing pattern in colors ranging anywhere from beige to a deep magenta.

From Los Angeles Times

Viewers who ditched pricey cable bundles in favor of cheaper streaming services have found their total monthly subscriptions are adding up.

From Los Angeles Times

Dodgers once again struggle to find consistency at the plate and the bullpen does them no favors in a 6-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

But like many other indoor malls, the Westside Pavilion fell out of favor in the 21st century before closing in 2019 to be converted to offices for rent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accept 
• advocate 
• appreciate 
• approve 
• back 
• champion 
• choose 
• encourage 
• endorse 
• pick 
• praise 
• support