What does favourably mean?
'Favourably' is a formal adverb meaning in a manner that shows approval, approval being expressed either as a positive judgment or as an advantage granted. It has two principal uses. First, it describes reactions: critics may review a book favourably, regulators may view a merger favourably, and interviewers may be impressed favourably by a candidate. Second, it describes circumstances of benefit: a loan secured favourably carries good terms, and one thing may compare favourably with another when measured against it. The word belongs largely to considered prose — reviews, reports, business correspondence — rather than casual speech, where speakers tend to say 'well', 'positively', or 'warmly' instead. Its connotation is measured and evaluative rather than enthusiastic: to respond favourably signals openness or approval without necessarily implying delight. In British spelling the word contains 'u' ('favourably'), while American English writes it 'favorably'; the two are otherwise identical in meaning and use.
In a manner expressing approval or a positive assessment; in a way that presents someone or something well.
"The judges spoke favourably of her performance throughout the competition."
Often appears with verbs of perception or reaction such as respond, react, view, regard, and impress.
Under conditions that confer an advantage or produce a beneficial outcome.
"The firm was able to borrow favourably thanks to its strong credit rating."
Common in financial and comparative contexts, notably in the fixed phrase 'compare favourably with'.
Every time you write 'favourably' instead of 'favorably', you're quietly announcing which side of the Atlantic your English learned its manners from.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of favourably
'Favourably' derives from 'favour', which entered Middle English from Old French 'favour' (modern French 'faveur'), itself borrowed from Latin 'favorem' (the accusative of 'favor'), meaning goodwill or partiality, from 'favere', to show kindness or support. The adjective 'favourable' formed on this noun, and the adverb followed by addition of '-ly'. Cognates include 'favorite' and 'disfavor', all tracing back to the same Latin root. The adverb has been established in English since roughly the early modern period alongside its parent adjective.
Related word forms
How favourably is actually used
'Favourably' is slightly formal in register, common in journalism, reviews, business writing, and official reports. The phrase 'compare favourably with' is especially idiomatic and typically implies superiority rather than mere equality. British English doubles the 'u'; American English uses 'favorably'.
Easily confused with favourably
'Favorably' is simply the American spelling of the same word, used in the US while 'favourably' is the British spelling.
'Favourable' is the adjective describing something that shows approval or gives advantage, whereas 'favourably' is the adverb describing how an action is done.