Favor

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin, from favēre to be favorable; perhaps akin to Old High German gouma attention, Old Church Slavic gověti to revere

• Date: 14th century

Definitions

• 1 a (1) : friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior (2) : approving consideration or attention : approbation

b : partiality

c archaic : leniency

d archaic : permission

e : popularity

• 2 archaic a : appearance b (1) : face (2) : a facial feature
• 3 a : gracious kindness; also : an act of such kindness <did you a favor>

b archaic : aid, assistance

c plural : effort in one's behalf or interest : attention

• 4 a : a token of love (as a ribbon) usually worn conspicuously

b : a small gift or decorative item given out at a party

c : badge

• 5 a : a special privilege or right granted or conceded

b : sexual privileges —usually used in plural

• 6 archaic : letter
• 7 : behalf, interest

— in favor of 1 a : in accord or sympathy with b : to the benefit of : in support of <a verdict in favor of the accused>

• 2 : to the order of
• 3 : in order to choose : out of preference for <turned down the scholarship in favor of a pro career>

— in one's favor

• 1 : in one's good graces
• 2 : to one's advantage

— out of favor : unpopular, disliked