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favour

B1
UK/ˈfeɪ.və/US/ˈfeɪ.vɚ/

Neutral to Formal

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Definition

Meaning

An act of kindness or approval shown towards someone; to support or prefer.

Can refer to a small gift or souvenir, to resemble a relative in appearance, or to give an unfair advantage (as in sports).

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily a noun and verb. Noun meanings are interlinked (kind act, approval, small gift). The sense of 'resembling a family member' is specific and less common.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: 'favour' (UK) vs. 'favor' (US). The spelling difference applies to all derived forms (favourable/favorable, favourite/favorite). The word is used more frequently in the UK, especially in fixed phrases like 'do me a favour'.

Connotations

In UK English, it can have a slightly more formal or traditional connotation in certain contexts (e.g., 'by your favour').

Frequency

Higher frequency in UK English, especially in spoken requests. In US English, synonyms like 'prefer' or 'like' are often used where UK English might use 'favour' (e.g., 'I favour the blue one').

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
do somebody a favourask a favourreturn a favourin favour ofcurry favour
medium
great favourspecial favourfind favourlook with favour on
weak
owe a favourpolitical favoursmall favour

Grammar

Valency Patterns

favour somebody with somethingfavour something over somethingfavour doing something

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

benefitcourtesyendorseadvocate

Neutral

kindnessprefersupportapproval

Weak

gifttokeninclinationleaning

Vocabulary

Antonyms

disfavouropposehinderdisapproval

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “In favour of”
  • “Curry favour (with somebody)”
  • “Do me a favour! (expression of disbelief)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used in proposals and negotiations ('The board voted in favour of the merger').

Academic

Used to discuss bias or preference in research ('The study's methodology may favour one outcome over another').

Everyday

Common in requests and casual conversation ('Could you do me a favour and pass the salt?').

Technical

In sports commentary, to describe an advantage ('The conditions favour the home team').

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • The coach tends to favour more experienced players.
  • The current tax laws favour large corporations.
  • Would you favour us with a song?

American English

  • The coach tends to favor more experienced players.
  • The current tax laws favor large corporations.
  • Would you favor us with a song?

adverb

British English

  • The proposal was received favourably by the committee.
  • She compared the two options favourably.
  • The market reacted favourably to the news.

American English

  • The proposal was received favorably by the committee.
  • She compared the two options favorably.
  • The market reacted favorably to the news.

adjective

British English

  • The conditions were favourable for a picnic.
  • He received a favourable review in the press.
  • The terms of the agreement seem quite favourable.

American English

  • The conditions were favorable for a picnic.
  • He received a favorable review in the press.
  • The terms of the agreement seem quite favorable.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • Can you do me a favour?
  • I need a favour.
  • He is in favour of the plan.
B1
  • She asked me for a small favour.
  • The weather favoured our outdoor event.
  • Public opinion is moving in favour of the new policy.
B2
  • The judge's ruling was clearly in favour of the defendant.
  • I would favour a more cautious approach to the investment.
  • He has always favoured his eldest son.
C1
  • The new electoral system is heavily favoured to benefit the incumbent party.
  • She was favoured with a rare glimpse into the artist's creative process.
  • The treaty was negotiated under conditions that strongly favoured the dominant nation.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

FAVOUR: For A Very Outstanding Unconditional Reason. Think of doing a FAVOUR for a FRIEND.

Conceptual Metaphor

FAVOUR IS A GIFT (something given, can be returned, creates social debt).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Do not directly translate 'сделать одолжение' as 'make a favour'. The correct phrase is 'do a favour'.
  • The verb 'to favour' is not the same as 'to like' (нравиться). It implies a conscious preference or support, not just enjoyment.
  • Confusion with 'благосклонность', which is more formal and less commonly used in everyday requests.

Common Mistakes

  • Incorrect: 'Can you make me a favour?' Correct: 'Can you do me a favour?'
  • Incorrect: 'I am in favour to go.' Correct: 'I am in favour of going.'

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The majority of the committee voted the proposal.
Multiple Choice

In which sentence is 'favour' used correctly as a verb?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is spelling: 'favour' is British English, 'favor' is American English. The word is also used more frequently in everyday requests in UK English.

No, 'favour' is a noun and a verb. The adjective form is 'favourable' (UK) / 'favorable' (US), meaning advantageous or expressing approval.

Yes, it has a negative connotation. It means to try to gain favour or approval from someone through flattery or servile behaviour.

It is a prepositional phrase meaning 'in support of' or 'to the advantage of'. It can be followed by a noun or gerund (e.g., 'in favour of the idea', 'in favour of leaving early').