favour

American  

[fey-ver] / ˈfeɪ vər /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. favor.

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favour British  

/ 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. to be approved of by someone

12. 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

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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

See -or ¹.

Other Word Forms

• favourer noun
• favouringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of favour

C14: from Latin, from favēre to protect

Example Sentences

"I am not in favour of an ambitious industrial project that will serve our armed forces being co-managed. We need a leader."

From Barron's

With the advantage now shifting to the attacker's favour, it could create a league with a blend of defensive styles as each team seeks a tactical edge.

From BBC

And with Sky Sports in such a position of dominance, holding four of the five TV packages, it can make the selections work more effectively in its favour.

From BBC

Heaney said there were some differences today that work in the world's favour, including better understanding of our economies and more countries holding oil reserves.

From BBC

Those two have been Clarke's two favoured strikers for a long time now and that isn't about to change.

From BBC