favour
Americannoun
noun
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an approving attitude; good will
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an act performed out of good will, generosity, or mercy
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prejudice and partiality; favouritism
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a condition of being regarded with approval or good will (esp in the phrases in favour , out of favour )
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archaic leave; permission
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a token of love, goodwill, etc
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a small gift or toy given to a guest at a party
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history a badge or ribbon worn or given to indicate loyalty, often bestowed on a knight by a lady
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obsolete a communication, esp a business letter
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archaic appearance
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to be approved of by someone
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approving
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to the benefit of
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(of a cheque, etc) made out to
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in order to show preference for
I rejected him in favour of George
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verb
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to regard with especial kindness or approval
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to treat with partiality or favouritism
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to support; advocate
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to perform a favour for; oblige
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to help; facilitate
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informal to resemble
he favours his father
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to wear habitually
she favours red
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to treat gingerly or with tenderness; spare
a footballer favouring an injured leg
Spelling
See -or 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of favour
C14: from Latin, from favēre to protect
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.
Arsenal's stability compared to their rivals looks to be a big factor in their favour.
From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026
The voting recieved a 75% turnout and 95% voted in favour of strike action.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Sancho, who cost United £73m when he joined from Dortmund in 2021, is said to favour a move away from England but remains open to all options.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
But the technology has drawn away clients from Song's 50,000-won sessions in favour of free or affordable AI readings.
From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026
“Mais oui. It may be that I know it already. But it will be a point in your favour if it comes from you spontaneously.”
From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
