Main Entry: ¹fa·vor

Pronunciation: \ˈfā-vər\

Function: noun

Etymology: 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

Date: 14th century

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