favorable

fa·vor·able

adjective \ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈfā-vər-bəl\

Definition of FAVORABLE

1

a : disposed to favor : partial

b : expressing approval : commendatory

c : giving a result that is in one's favor <a favorable comparison>

d : affirmative <a favorable reply>

2

: winning approval : pleasing <a favorable impression>

3

a : tending to promote or facilitate : advantageous <a favorable wind>

b : marked by success

— fa·vor·abil·i·ty \ˌfā-v(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌfā-vər-\ noun

— fa·vor·able·ness noun

— fa·vor·ably \ˌfā-v(ə-)rə-blē, ˌfā-vər-blē\ adverb

Examples of FAVORABLE

1. The new play got many favorable reviews.
2. He was given a favorable recommendation.
3. Early test results were favorable.

First Known Use of FAVORABLE

14th century

Related to FAVORABLE

Synonyms

admiring, applauding, appreciative, approbatory, approving, commendatory, complimentary, friendly, good, positive

Antonyms

adverse, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, disapproving, inappreciative, negative, unappreciative, uncomplimentary, unfavorable, unflattering, unfriendly

Related Words

accepting, warm; encomiastic, eulogistic, flattering, hagiographic (also hagiographical), laudative, laudatory, panegyrical, praiseful; respectful, supportive, sympathetic; adoring, adulatory, idolizing, worshipful, worshipping (also worshiping); advisory, recommendatory

Near Antonyms

captious, carping, caviling (or cavilling), censuring, critical, faultfinding, hypercritical, overcritical; belittling, contemptuous, disdainful, disparaging, scornful, slighting

Synonym Discussion of FAVORABLE

favorable, auspicious, propitious mean pointing toward a happy outcome. favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous <favorable weather conditions>. auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event <an auspicious beginning>. propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition <a propitious time for starting a business>.