First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1favor
noun fa·vor \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 favor defined for English-language learners
See favor defined for kids
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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
Related to FAVOR
- Synonyms
- benevolence, boon, courtesy, grace, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service, turn
- Antonyms
- disfavor
2favor
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
transitive verb
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
See favor defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FAVOR
14th century
Related to FAVOR
- Synonyms
- accommodate, oblige
- Antonyms
- disoblige
FAVOR Defined for Kids
1favor
noun fa·vor \ˈfā-vər\
Definition of FAVOR for Kids
1
: an act of kindness <Do me a favor.>
3
: a preference for one side over another <The umpire showed favor toward the champs.>
4
: a small gift or decorative item <party favors>
— in favor of
1
: wanting or approving of <All in favor of going say aye.>
2
: in support of <The judge ruled in favor of the defendant.>
2favor
verb
fa·voredfa·vor·ing
Definition of FAVOR for Kids
1
: to prefer especially unfairly <My mom always favors my little brother.>
2
: to approve of <The president favors a bill to cut taxes.>
3
: to present with <The author favored us with a copy of her book.>
4
: to make possible or easier <Winds favored the ship's journey east.>
5
: to look like <He favors his mother.>
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