favor

noun

US /ˈfeɪvər/

Word Forms

singular	favor
plural	favors

1
countable something that you do for someone in order to help them
do someone a favor:
Could you do me a small favor?
owe someone a favor (=feel you should do something to help someone because they have done something to help you):
I’ll ask Steve. He owes me a favor.
return a favor (=do something to help someone because they have done something to help you):
Thanks very much for your help. I’ll be sure to return the favor some time.
Synonyms and related words
Help
help
contribution
assistance
2
uncountable support or admiration from people
This approach has found more favor in the U.S. than in Britain.
find/gain/win favor (with someone):
a young player who has yet to gain favor with the coach
lose favor (with someone):
Nuclear power stations have lost favor in recent years.
curry favor (with someone) (=try to get someone to support or admire you):
an ambitious young man willing to curry favor with the boss
Synonyms and related words
Feelings of love, respect and admiration
love
respect
passion
3
uncountable behavior that gives someone an unfair advantage
show favor to someone:
He was careful to show no favor to anyone.
Synonyms and related words
Favoritism and unfairness
apartheid
linguistic imperialism
favorite
4
countable Americana small present given to a guest at a party
Synonyms and related words
Presents and gifts
present
gift
valentine
5

favors
plural old-fashionedthe opportunity to have sex with someone
He was found guilty of trading information for sexual favors.
Synonyms and related words
Flirtation and describing flirtatious behavior
smirting
flirtation
coquetry

phrases

be in favor/out of favor

in someone’s favor

in favor of

out of favor

favor

UK /ˈfeɪvə(r)/

the American spelling of favour

View the pronunciation for favor.

favor

verb transitive

US /ˈfeɪvər/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	favor
he/she/it	favors
present participle	favoring
past tense	favored
past participle	favored

1
to support an idea and believe that it is better than other ideas that have been suggested
The report strongly favors reform of the electoral system.
Synonyms and related words
To support an idea, plan or person
support
back
get behind
2
to give someone an unfair advantage
more tax cuts that favor the rich
Synonyms and related words
To give someone an unfair advantage
favor
give/show preference to someone/something
hand something to someone on a plate
3
to make a situation better for one person or thing, rather than another
The cold conditions favored the home team.
Synonyms and related words
To give someone an unfair advantage
favor
give/show preference to someone/something
hand something to someone on a plate
4
informalto look like one of your parents or an older relative
Wouldn’t you say he favors his mother?
Synonyms and related words
To look the same as, or similar to, someone or something
resemble
take after
blend in

phrasal verbs

favor with

favor ​‌‌‌

favors

favor

favor ​‌‌

favor

favor