noun
favor
FAY-vuh
noun
1
(US spelling; UK "favour") A kind or helpful act done for someone.
"Could you do me a favor and pick up some milk?"
2
Approval, support, or preference shown toward someone or something.
"The new policy has gained favor with most employees."
verb
1
To prefer one option over another, or to treat someone with special kindness.
"The coach seemed to favor the more experienced players."
How to Use Favor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA helpful act, or general approval and preference toward something or someone.
UK vs US
American English spells it "favor"; British English spells it "favour".
Common pairings
do someone a favor
in favor of
fall out of favor
Word Forms
favored past tense, favors plural, Favors plural, favors singular
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Could you do me a _____ and pick up some milk?
Etymology
From Latin favor, "goodwill, support", from favere, "to be kind to, support".