favorable

[fey-ver-uh-buhl, feyv-ruh-]

adjective

1. characterized by approval or support; positive.

   a favorable report.

2. creating or winning favor; pleasing.

   to make a favorable impression.

3. affording advantage, opportunity, or convenience; advantageous.

   a favorable position.

4. (of an answer) granting what is desired.

5. boding well; propitious.

   The signs are favorable for a new start.

Other Word Forms

• favorableness noun
• favorably adverb
• nonfavorable adjective
• nonfavorableness noun
• nonfavorably adverb
• overfavorable adjective
• overfavorableness noun
• overfavorably adverb
• prefavorable adjective
• prefavorably adverb
• quasi-favorable adjective
• quasi-favorably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of favorable¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Middle French, from Latin favōrābilis; equivalent to favor + -able

Example Sentences

Why hold on so hard when a futuristic stadium in Inglewood could provide not only a home closer to campus but also an infusion of cash as part of a more favorable lease?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the first nine months of the year, industrial profits were up 3.2%, which officials attributed to government measures promoting technological innovation and a favorable comparison base.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“There is more upside potential associated with favorable data than downside risk associated with negative results in light of the magnitude of the opportunity,” he wrote in a recent note.

Read more on Barron's

“This deal seems to be a natural extension of the original agreement, but interestingly, the terms appear more favorable for Cipher,” wrote J.P.

Read more on Barron's

The government cited the need to create favorable conditions for investors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• appropriate 
• beneficial 
• benign 
• convenient 
• encouraging www.thesaurus.com
• fair 
• helpful 
• pleasant 
• pleasing 
• suitable 
• useful