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adj B1 Intermediate Common

favourable

FAYV-ruh-buhl

Favourable (adj) means showing approval, support, or goodwill. Example: “The reviews of the new restaurant were overwhelmingly favourable.”

adj
1
Showing approval, support, or goodwill.
"The reviews of the new restaurant were overwhelmingly favourable."
"Her boss gave a favourable report on her performance."
2
Helpful or advantageous to a particular purpose; working in one's favour.
"The winds were favourable for the crossing."
"Conditions are favourable for a good harvest this year."

How to Use Favourable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPositive, approving, or working in your favour.

UK vs US

American English spells this "favorable".

Common pairings
favourable conditions favourable review favourable terms

Word Forms

more favourable comparative, most favourable superlative

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The reviews of the new restaurant were overwhelmingly _____.

Etymology

From Old French favorable, tracing back to Latin favor — the same root as "favour" itself, with -able added to mean "tending toward approval."

Origin: Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for favourable

See all rhymes for favourable →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “favourable” mean?

The word “favourable” means showing approval, support, or goodwill. In plain terms, positive, approving, or working in your favour.

How do you pronounce “favourable”?

“Favourable” is pronounced FAYV-ruh-buhl (/ˈfeɪv(ə)ɹəbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “favourable” in a sentence?

Here is “favourable” used in a sentence: “The reviews of the new restaurant were overwhelmingly favourable.”

What part of speech is “favourable”?

“Favourable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “favourable” come from?

The word “favourable” comes from Latin. From Old French favorable, tracing back to Latin favor — the same root as "favour" itself, with -able added to mean "tending toward approval.".

Is “favourable” a common word?

“Favourable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “favourable” have?

“Favourable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing approval, support, or goodwill.

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