favour

American  

[fey-ver] / ˈfeɪ vər /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. favor.

---

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

---

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

Derived Forms

• favouringly
  adverb
• favourer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of favour

C14: from Latin, from favēre to protect

Example Sentences

"He's come to do good, with all his love," she said of Leo's firm stance in favour of peace and migrants.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Knowing conditions were in their favour and time on the field was short, England crowded the bat with as many as seven close catchers.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

As Albania does not extradite its citizens, French prosecutors plan to drop their case in favour of their Albanian colleagues, who have promised to seek compensation for French victims.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Last month, BBC News NI revealed he was facing deselection by his constituency association, in favour of another candidate, Kyle Savage, a councillor on Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

‘The name of Aragorn son of Arathorn is known in Lórien,’ said Haldir, ‘and he has the favour of the Lady. All then is well. But you have yet spoken only of seven.’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien