Definition of favor
1a (1) : friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior a politician attempting to keep the favor of the voters (2) : approving consideration or attention : approbation looked with favor on the enterpriseb : partiality The students naturally showed favor toward their own team.c archaic : leniencyd archaic : permissione : popularity The fad lost favor quickly.
2 archaic a : appearanceb (1) : face (2) : a facial feature
3a : gracious kindness; also : an act of such kindness did you a favorb archaic : aid, assistancec favors plural : effort in one's behalf or interest : attention vying for the king's favor
4a : a token of love (such as a ribbon) usually worn conspicuouslyb : a small gift or decorative item given out at a partyc : badge
5a : a special privilege or right granted or conceded granted a favor to a dear friendb : sexual privileges —usually used in plural
6 archaic : letter
in favor of
1a : in accord or sympathy withb : to the benefit of : in support of a verdict in favor of the accused
in one's favor
out of favor
From the M-W Editors
Examples of favor in a sentence
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 and Etymology of favor
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin, from favēre to be favorable; perhaps akin to Old High German gouma attention, Old Church Slavonic gověti to revere
First Known Use: 14th century
favor
Definition of favor
favored
;favoring
play \ˈfā-v(ə-)riŋ\transitive verb
1a : to regard or treat with favorb (1) : to do a kindness for : oblige (2) : endowc : to treat gently or carefully favored her injured leg
2 : to show partiality toward : prefer
3a : to give support or confirmation to : sustainb : to afford advantages for success to : facilitate good weather favored the outing
4 : to bear a resemblance to he favors his father
Examples of favor in a sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of favor
see 1favor
First Known Use: 14th century
FAVOR Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of favor for English Language Learners
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: a kind or helpful act that you do for someone
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: approval, support, or popularity
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: preference for one person, group, etc., over another
favor
Definition of favor for English Language Learners
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: to prefer (someone) especially in an unfair way : to show that you like or approve of (someone) more than others
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: to approve of or support (something)
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: to regard (someone or something) as most likely to succeed or win
FAVOR Defined for Kids
Definition of favor for Students
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.
Definition of favor for Students
favored
;favoring
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.
Law Dictionary
Learn More about favor
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See words that rhyme with favor Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for favor Spanish Central: Translation of favor Nglish: Translation of favor for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of favor for Arabic speakers
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