favor
1fa·vor
noun \ˈfā-vər\: a kind or helpful act that you do for someone
: approval, support, or popularity
: preference for one person, group, etc., over another
Full Definition of FAVOR
1
a (1) : friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior (2) : approving consideration or attention : approbation b : partiality c archaic : leniency d archaic : permission e : popularity
2
3
a : gracious kindness; also : an act of such kindness <did you a favor> b archaic : aid, assistance c plural : effort in one's behalf or interest : attention
4
a : a token of love (as a ribbon) usually worn conspicuously b : a small gift or decorative item given out at a party c : badge
5
a : a special privilege or right granted or conceded b : sexual privileges —usually used in plural
6
archaic : letter
7
— in favor of
1
a : in accord or sympathy with b : to the benefit of : in support of <a verdict in favor of the accused>
2
: to the order of
3
: in order to choose : out of preference for <turned down the scholarship in favor of a pro career>
— in one's favor
1
: in one's good graces
2
: to one's advantage
See Examples of FAVOR
- I drove her to the airport because I owed her a favor.
- She's willing to help you but only as a favor to me.
- Don't do me any favors. I don't need your help.
- I've learned to be grateful for small favors.
- He's trying to earn the boss's favor by working late.
- The judge showed favor for the defendant.
- The students naturally showed favor toward their own school's team.
- Small boxes of candy were given out as favors at the wedding.
Origin of FAVOR
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin, from favēre to be favorable; perhaps akin to Old High German gouma attention, Old Church Slavic gověti to revere
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to FAVOR
- Synonyms
- benevolence, boon, courtesy, grace, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service, turn
- Antonyms
- disfavor
2favor
transitive verb: to prefer (someone) especially in an unfair way : to show that you like or approve of (someone) more than others
: to approve of or support (something)
: to regard (someone or something) as most likely to succeed or win
fa·voredfa·vor·ing \ˈfā-v(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of FAVOR
1
2
: to show partiality toward : prefer
3
a : to give support or confirmation to : sustain b : to afford advantages for success to : facilitate <good weather favored the outing>
4
: to bear a resemblance to <he favors his father>
— fa·vor·er \ˈfā-vər-ər\ noun
Examples of FAVOR
- The teacher clearly favors you.
- Most voters favor these tax cuts.
- Her father favored the idea of her going to law school.
- They won the championship last year, and most forecasters favor them to win again this year.
First Known Use of FAVOR
14th century
Related to FAVOR
- Synonyms
- accommodate, oblige
- Antonyms
- disoblige
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