Advertisement

Advertisement

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. to be approved of by someone

    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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Spelling Note

See -or 1.
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • favourer noun
  • favouringly adverb
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of favour1

C14: from Latin, from favēre to protect
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He blends opposition to independence and immigration with sharp criticism of the Scottish National Party - which is in favour of both.

Read more on BBC

October usually provides clear skies and friendly temperatures, making it one of the favoured months to hike in the Mount Everest area.

Read more on BBC

Many attendees stuck to a black and white theme, a classic colour combination that was favoured by Coco Chanel herself and also featured on Monday's runway.

Read more on BBC

Over the years researchers have noticed patterns in methods and tools favoured by North Korean hackers.

Read more on BBC

The Conservative leader also argued that because the party was no longer in government there were fewer "people turning up wanting government favours".

Read more on BBC

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


favositefavourable