favorable
FAY-vuh-ruh-buhl
Favorable (adjective) means expressing approval; positive about someone or something. Example: “The book received favorable reviews in the trade press.”
adjective
1
Expressing approval; positive about someone or something.
"The book received favorable reviews in the trade press."
"She made a favorable impression on the panel."
"The critics gave the play a favorable verdict."
2
Helpful to a person's plans or interests; giving an advantage.
"We got a favorable exchange rate on the day."
"The ruling was favorable to the tenants."
"The new rules are favorable to small businesses."
3
Of weather or conditions: suitable and unlikely to cause difficulty.
"They waited for favorable winds before setting out."
"Favorable conditions allowed the pilot to land safely."
"If the weather stays favorable, we will sail on Saturday."
How to use favorable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGood for you, or saying good things about you.
When to use it
Neutral; used across business, journalism, law and everyday speech.
Memory tip
Note the pair 'favorable to' (advantageous for) and 'favorable toward' (approving of) — they are not interchangeable.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
favorable review
favorable terms
favorable outcome
favorable conditions
compare favorably
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The book received _____ reviews in the trade press.
Etymology
Via Old French from Latin favorabilis, from favor 'goodwill'; the American spelling of favourable.
Synonyms
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positive
approving
complimentary
commendatory
advantageous
beneficial
helpful
in one's favour
fair
suitable
auspicious
promising
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for favorable
See all rhymes for favorable →Frequently asked questions
Is it favorable or favourable?
Both are the same word: favorable is the American spelling and favourable the British, Irish, Australian and Canadian one. Keep whichever you use consistent with your other -or/-our words, such as color and colour.
What is the difference between favorable and favorite?
Favorable describes a positive attitude or a helpful set of conditions — a favorable review, a favorable wind. Favorite is a noun or adjective naming the thing you like best, or the competitor most expected to win.
What is the meaning of favorable?
"favorable" (adjective) means expressing approval; positive about someone or something.
What is another word for favorable?
Other words for "favorable" include prosperous, positive, approving, complimentary, commendatory, golden.
