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favor

n. · v.
US //ˈfeɪvɝ// UK //fˈeɪvɐ// fa·vor
  1. 1 a kind act (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    something kind that you do to help someone.

    a kind or helpful deed performed voluntarily for another person.

    Example

    Could you do me a favor and pick up some milk on your way home?

    Example

    He felt he owed her a favor after she spent the entire weekend helping him move into his new apartment.

    Usage

    Commonly used with the verb 'do'.
    Pitfall
    Can you make me a favor?
    Can you do me a favor?

    In English, we 'do' a favor, we do not 'make' one.

  2. 2 approval or support (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    support or approval for someone or something.

    approval, support, or liking for someone or something; often used regarding public opinion or authority.

    Example

    The new policy found favor with most of the employees.

    Example

    The candidate struggled to regain favor with the voters after the controversial details of the scandal were released to the press.
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  1. 3 unfair preference (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Formal

    treating one person better than others in an unfair way.

    unfair partiality or bias shown toward one person or group.

    Example

    The manager was accused of showing favor to his own relatives.

    Example

    The judge was careful to remain neutral, ensuring that no side could claim he had shown favor to the prosecution during the trial.
  2. 4 a small gift (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a small, cheap gift given to guests at a party.

    a small decorative item or gift given to guests at a party or wedding.

    Example

    Each child left the birthday party with a small bag of favors.

    Example

    The couple spent weeks choosing elegant wedding favors that would reflect their shared love of local craftsmanship.
  3. 5 to prefer (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    to like or support one member of a group more than the others.

    to give unfair advantages to or to prefer one person or thing over others.

    Example

    The teacher tried not to favor any of her students over the others.

    Example

    Current tax laws tend to favor large corporations while placing a heavier relative burden on small business owners.
  4. 6 to resemble (v.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Dialect

    to look like a member of your family.

    to resemble a parent or relative in physical appearance.

    Example

    The young boy really favors his father, especially around the eyes.

    Example

    In many rural communities, you will still hear people remark on how much a newborn favors their grandfather.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is primarily found in American regional dialects and may sound old-fashioned to some speakers.
  5. 7 to protect an injury (v.)
    C1 Advanced American English Medicine

    to avoid using a part of your body because it is hurt.

    to avoid putting weight or pressure on a limb or body part to prevent pain or further injury.

    Example

    He was favoring his left leg after he tripped on the stairs.

    Example

    The athlete continued to play despite the injury, though it was obvious to the coach that he was favoring his right ankle.
Origin

From Middle English favour, favor, faver, from Anglo-Norman favour, from mainland Old French favor, from Latin favor (“good will; kindness; partiality”), from faveō (“to be kind to”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European bʰeh₂weh₁yeti (“to be favourable to”), from the root Proto-Indo-European bʰeh₂- (“to shine, glow light”). Respelled in American English to more closely match its Latin etymon. Compare also Danish favør (“favor”), Irish fabhar (“favor”), from the same Romance source.

Word family
Idioms3 entries

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