favour
|fa-vour|
🇺🇸
/ˈfeɪvər/
🇬🇧
/ˈfeɪvə/
help or approval
Etymology
'favour' originates from Old French 'faveur', ultimately from Latin 'favorem' (nominative 'favor'), where the verb 'favēre' meant 'to be favorable, to support'.
'favour' changed from Old French 'faveur' and Middle English 'favour' and eventually became the modern English word 'favour'.
Initially it meant 'goodwill, support' in a general sense, and over time it developed additional senses such as 'an act of kindness' and 'preference or advantage' used in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an act of kindness or a helpful action done for someone without payment.
Could you do me a favour and pick up my mail while I'm away?
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Noun 2
support or approval for something (often used in the phrase 'in favour of').
The committee voted in favour of the proposal.
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Noun 3
an advantage or benefit for someone (used in 'in someone's favour').
The ruling was largely in her favour.
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Verb 1
to do something helpful for someone; to perform a kindness.
Could you favour me by checking these figures?
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Verb 2
to give someone an advantage or to treat someone better than others (to show preference).
The manager was accused of favouring certain employees.
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Last updated: 2025/11/16 17:17