favour

[ fey-ver ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. favor.

favour

/ ˈfeɪvə /

noun

1. an approving attitude; good will
2. an act performed out of good will, generosity, or mercy
3. prejudice and partiality; favouritism
4. a condition of being regarded with approval or good will (esp in the phrases in favour , out of favour )
5. archaic.
   leave; permission
6. a token of love, goodwill, etc
7. a small gift or toy given to a guest at a party
8. history a badge or ribbon worn or given to indicate loyalty, often bestowed on a knight by a lady
9. obsolete.
   a communication, esp a business letter
10. archaic.
    appearance
11. find favour with
    to be approved of by someone
12. in favour of
    1. approving
    2. to the benefit of
    3. (of a cheque, etc) made out to
    4. in order to show preference for

       I rejected him in favour of George

verb

1. to regard with especial kindness or approval
2. to treat with partiality or favouritism
3. to support; advocate
4. to perform a favour for; oblige
5. to help; facilitate
6. informal.
   to resemble

   he favours his father

7. to wear habitually

   she favours red

8. to treat gingerly or with tenderness; spare

   a footballer favouring an injured leg

Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

Derived Forms

• ˈfavourer, noun
• ˈfavouringly, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of favour¹

C14: from Latin, from favēre to protect

Example Sentences

The bigger picture is that Trump’s proposed team is almost universally loyal, and favour overhauling their respective government departments.

From BBC

Ironically, Kane was left on the bench in favour of Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in a brave selection call which brought instant dividends with the opening goal after seven minutes.

From BBC

Pharmacy owners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have voted in favour of cutting opening hours and stopping home deliveries for the first time, in a protest over government funding.

From BBC

"People think they're doing you a favour, almost like a sacrifice. The worst thing is I'm not surprised or offended anymore."

From BBC

"You're definitely treated like they're doing you a favour. It puts you off instantly."

From BBC