Is 'disfavour' a common word in modern English?

No, it is considered a formal word, more common in written English (especially historical, political, or legal contexts) than in everyday spoken conversation.

What is the main difference between 'disfavour' and 'disapproval'?

'Disapproval' is a more general and common term for a negative opinion. 'Disfavour' often implies that the disapproval results in a loss of support, favour, or advantageous position, and is more formal.

Can 'disfavour' be used as a verb?

Yes, but it is less common and very formal (e.g., 'The court disfavours such tactics'). The noun form is far more frequent.

Is the spelling 'disfavor' incorrect?

No, 'disfavor' is the standard American English spelling. 'Disfavour' is the standard British English spelling.

Is “disfavour” formal?

Disfavour is usually formal in register.

How do you pronounce “disfavour”?

Disfavour: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈfeɪvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈfeɪvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

disfavour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1/C2

UK/dɪsˈfeɪvə/US/dɪsˈfeɪvər/

Formal

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “disfavour” mean?

The state of being disapproved of or disliked.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The state of being disapproved of or disliked; disapproval.

The act or state of withdrawing support, approval, or goodwill, often leading to disadvantage or rejection.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In British English, 'disfavour' is the standard spelling. In American English, 'disfavor' is the dominant spelling. The meaning and usage are identical.

Connotations

In both varieties, the word carries a formal or slightly archaic tone. It often appears in historical, political, or legal contexts.

Frequency

More common in written than spoken English in both varieties. Slightly higher relative frequency in UK English due to the spelling being a direct cognate of the French 'disfaveur'.

Grammar

How to Use “disfavour” in a Sentence

to be in/out of disfavour (with somebody)to fall into disfavourto look upon/regard/view something WITH disfavourto bring somebody/something into disfavour

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

fall into disfavourlook upon with disfavourview with disfavourbe in disfavourregard with disfavour

medium

political disfavourroyal disfavourcourt disfavourgrowing disfavourofficial disfavour

weak

public disfavourdeep disfavourtotal disfavourexpress disfavourcause disfavour

Examples

Examples of “disfavour” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The committee was known to disfavour proposals that increased expenditure.
The judge made it clear he would disfavour any further delays.

American English

The administration disfavors new regulations on small businesses.
The court tends to disfavor such broad interpretations of the law.

adverb

British English

The proposal was looked upon disfavourably by the investors.
He spoke disfavourably of his former colleague.

American English

The court viewed the action disfavorably.
She commented disfavorably on the new design.

adjective

British English

The disfavoured candidate withdrew from the race.
It was a disfavoured theory among contemporary scientists.

American English

He held a disfavored position within the party.
This is a disfavored legal precedent in most jurisdictions.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used formally to describe a product, strategy, or executive that has lost support: 'The new policy fell into disfavour with the board.'

Academic

Used in historical/political science texts: 'The philosopher's ideas fell into disfavour during the conservative era.'

Everyday

Rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously or formally: 'My suggestion to cancel pizza Friday was met with universal disfavour.'

Technical

Not typical in technical fields; more common in legal/historical jargon.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “disfavour”

Strong

disfavor (US spelling)odium disfavor distaste

Neutral

disapproval displeasure dislike

Weak

disesteemdisfavour (UK spelling)non-support

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “disfavour”

favour approval support esteem preference

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “disfavour”

Using 'disfavour' as a verb in casual contexts. Confusing it with 'disfigure'. Misspelling as 'disfavor' in UK English contexts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is considered a formal word, more common in written English (especially historical, political, or legal contexts) than in everyday spoken conversation.
: 'Disapproval' is a more general and common term for a negative opinion. 'Disfavour' often implies that the disapproval results in a loss of support, favour, or advantageous position, and is more formal.
: Yes, but it is less common and very formal (e.g., 'The court disfavours such tactics'). The noun form is far more frequent.
: No, 'disfavor' is the standard American English spelling. 'Disfavour' is the standard British English spelling.
: The state of being disapproved of or disliked.
: Disfavour is usually formal in register.
: Disfavour: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈfeɪvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈfeɪvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“fall from grace (similar concept)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: DIS- (not) + FAVOUR (approval) = the state of NOT having approval.

Conceptual Metaphor

FAVOUR IS A PHYSICAL POSITION (being in/out of favour, falling from favour). DISFAVOUR IS BEING OUTSIDE/AWAY FROM THE CENTRE OF POWER/APPROVAL.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After the scandal, the once-popular politician fell into with the public.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'disfavour'?