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 speed of the charging processes plays an important role here: slow charging favours phase transitions and oxygen loss, while fast charging leads to lattice distortions and inhomogeneous lithium diffusion.

From Science Daily

The losses are compounded by the “meat grinder” approach said to be favoured by Russian commanders - describing the waves of recruits thrown towards Ukrainian positions in a bid to exhaust troops.

From BBC

After an internal grievance procedure lodged by Letby was upheld in her favour, though, the way was paved for her to return to nursing.

From BBC

Aside from Russia, all the other 14 Security Council member states voted in favour of the draft, but the veto meant the resolution did not pass.

From BBC

Many in the US think the UK and the EU are trying to curry favour in Beijing by being less hostile than Washington.

From BBC