favor

¹fa·vor

noun \ˈfā-vər\

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

archaic a : appearance b (1) : face (2) : a facial feature

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

: behalf, interest

— 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

— out of favor

: unpopular, disliked

Examples of FAVOR

1. I drove her to the airport because I owed her a favor.
2. She's willing to help you but only as a favor to me.
3. Don't do me any favors. I don't need your help.
4. I've learned to be grateful for small favors.
5. He's trying to earn the boss's favor by working late.
6. The judge showed favor for the defendant.
7. The students naturally showed favor toward their own school's team.
8. 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

Related Words: dispensation, waiver; advantage, benefit, blessing, godsend, manna; liberty, license (or licence), privilege

Near Antonyms: hindrance, hurdle, impediment, interference, obstacle

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with FAVOR

caver, claver, flavor, graver, haver, laver, quaver, raver, saver, savor, shaver, slaver, waiver, waver