favor

Language: en

🇬🇧 /ˈfeɪvə/ 🇺🇸 /ˈfeɪvɜr/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    An act of kindness or helpfulness done for someone; a service rendered.; Approval, support, or goodwill toward someone or something.; Preferential treatment or partiality shown toward one person or group over another.; A small gift or token given to guests at a party or celebration.; A ribbon, badge, or token worn to show allegiance or support, especially in medieval tournaments.; Appearance or countenance; facial features (archaic).; A letter or written communication (archaic, formal).
  2. verb
    To regard or treat someone with approval, preference, or kindness.; To support or advocate for a particular idea, plan, or course of action.; To resemble someone in appearance, especially a parent or relative.; To treat a body part gently or carefully, usually because of injury or pain.; To make easier or more advantageous; to facilitate.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable / uncountable Plural: favors 3rd sing.: favors Past: favored Past part.: favored Pres part.: favoring

Collocations

do someone a favorin favor ofreturn the favorcurry favorfind favorlook with favor

Derivatives

favorablefavorablyfavoriteunfavorableunfavorablyfavoritismdisfavor

Synonyms

kindnessgoodwillpreferenceapprovalsupportpartiality

Antonyms

disfavordisapprovaldispleasure

Commonly confused

favour
EN: 'Favour' is the British English spelling of the same word; 'favor' is American English.
favorite
EN: 'Favorite' is a derivative meaning a preferred person or thing; 'favor' is the act of kindness or approval itself.

Spelling tips

EN: American English spells it 'favor' (no 'u'), while British English uses 'favour'. This pattern extends to derivatives: 'favorite' (AmE) vs 'favourite' (BrE).

💬 Examples

  1. Could you do me a favor and pick up my mail while I'm away?

  2. The new policy has gained favor among the younger generation.

  3. The judge was accused of showing favor to the defendant.

  4. Each guest received a wedding favor wrapped in silk ribbon.

  5. The knight wore his lady's favor on his lance during the joust.

  6. She had a pleasant favor that put everyone at ease.

  7. I received your favor of the 12th and shall reply shortly.

  8. The teacher seemed to favor the students who sat in the front row.

  9. Most economists favor lowering interest rates to stimulate growth.

  10. The baby really favors her mother around the eyes.