favor
FAY-vuh
Also spelled favour (UK spelling)
Favor (noun) means (US spelling; UK "favour") A kind or helpful act done for someone. Example: “Could you do me a favor and pick up some milk?”
noun
1
(US spelling; UK "favour") A kind or helpful act done for someone.
"Could you do me a favor and pick up some milk?"
"He asked his neighbour for a favor and she agreed to water his plants."
"I owe you a favor after you helped me move house."
2
Approval, support, or preference shown toward someone or something.
"The new policy has gained favor with most employees."
"The candidate found favor with younger voters because of her clear ideas."
"Long skirts are back in favor this season, according to the magazine."
verb
1
To prefer one option over another, or to treat someone with special kindness.
"The coach seemed to favor the more experienced players."
"Most people favor a short walk after dinner over watching television."
"The teacher was careful not to favor any child in the class."
How to use favor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA helpful act, or general approval and preference toward something or someone.
UK vs US
American English spells it "favor"; British English spells it "favour".
Common pairings
do someone a favor
in favor of
fall out of favor
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Word forms
- Plural
- favors
- Third person singular
- favors
- Past tense
- favored
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Could you do me a _____ and pick up some milk?
Etymology
From Latin favor, "goodwill, support", from favere, "to be kind to, support".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for favor
See all rhymes for favor →Frequently asked questions
What does “favor” mean?
The word “favor” means (US spelling; UK "favour") A kind or helpful act done for someone. In plain terms, a helpful act, or general approval and preference toward something or someone.
How do you pronounce “favor”?
“Favor” is pronounced FAY-vuh (/ˈfeɪ.vɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “favor” in a sentence?
Here is “favor” used in a sentence: “Could you do me a favor and pick up some milk?”
What is another word for “favor”?
Words with a similar meaning to “favor” include aid, help, lending a hand, token, abet and assist.
What is the opposite of “favor”?
The opposite of “favor” — its antonyms — are discrimination, disfavor, unfavor, harm and sabotage.
What part of speech is “favor”?
Depending on how it is used, “favor” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “favor” come from?
The word “favor” comes from Latin. From Latin favor, "goodwill, support", from favere, "to be kind to, support".
Is “favor” a common word?
“Favor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between favor and favour?
There is no difference in meaning — only in spelling. 'Favor' is the American spelling, while 'favour' is used in British and Commonwealth English. Both mean a kind, helpful act done for someone. The same pattern appears in words like color and colour, or honor and honour.
What is an example of a favor?
Asking 'can you do me a favor and watch my bag?' is a classic example. Giving a friend a lift, lending someone a small sum, or covering a colleague's shift are all favors — helpful acts done willingly and usually without expecting payment or anything in return.
What are the other meanings of favor?
Beyond a helpful act, favor can mean approval or support, as in 'the plan was met with favor' or 'voting in favor.' It can also mean preferential treatment — 'showing favor' to one person over others. As a verb, to favor something is to prefer or support it.
What is the difference between a favor and a service?
A favor is a helpful act done out of goodwill, usually for free and often for someone you know. A service is help provided more formally, frequently as a job and in exchange for payment. Helping a neighbour move is a favor; hiring movers is paying for a service.
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