What does favor mean?
Favor is a versatile word that operates as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it most commonly refers to a kind or helpful act performed for someone — asking a friend to 'do you a favor' is among its everyday uses. It also denotes approval or support: to win someone's favor is to earn their goodwill, while a ruling 'in favor of' one party signals that party's success. The word carries connotations of goodwill and generosity, but it can shade into partiality, as when a teacher is accused of favoring certain students. As a verb, favor means to prefer, support, or give an advantage to, whether in opinion polls, sporting conditions, or personal treatment. Derived from Latin through Old French, it shares roots with 'favorite', 'favorable', and 'favoritism'. Its flexibility across formal legal contexts and casual conversation makes it one of English's most useful words for expressing both kindness and preference.
A kind or helpful act done for someone, typically at their request and without expectation of payment; also, approval, goodwill, or support given to a person, cause, or side.
"She owed him a great many favors after he helped her move twice in one year."
In the plural, 'favors' can refer to small gifts given to guests at weddings, parties, or other events.
To support, prefer, or approve of someone or something; to give an advantage or unfair partiality to; or (of circumstances) to make an outcome more likely.
"Most voters favor stricter environmental regulations."
The plural 'favors' refers either to multiple acts of kindness or, commonly in British English and event planning, to small decorative gifts given to guests at parties, weddings, or celebrations.
"Each guest received a box of chocolates as one of the wedding favors."
To 'curry favor' has nothing to do with curry — it comes from a 13th-century French satirical poem about a horse named Fauvel who let people stroke him in exchange for advancement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of favor
Favor derives from the Latin 'favorem' (nominative 'favor'), meaning goodwill or approval, itself formed from 'favere', to show kindness or support. It entered Middle English via Old French 'favor' around the 14th century, retaining both the sense of benevolent regard and of a kind deed. Cognates and derivatives include 'favorite', 'favorable', and 'favoritism', all tracing back to the same Latin root. The idiom 'curry favor' descends from the Middle French phrase 'estriller fauvel', referring to a chestnut-colored horse symbolizing deceit and flattery in a medieval satire.
Related word forms
How favor is actually used
In American English the word is spelled 'favor', while British English uses 'favour'. As a verb, 'favor' in sports commentary can mean a competitor is positioned to win ('the schedule favors the champions'). The plural 'favors' often refers to small gifts given to guests at parties or weddings, especially in British usage.
Easily confused with favor
'Favour' is simply the British spelling of 'favor'; the meanings are identical.
Despite similar spelling, 'fever' is an elevated body temperature or a state of intense excitement, unrelated to kindness or approval.