Pronunciation:/ˈfeɪvə/

(US favor)

noun

1. [mass noun] approval, support, or liking for someone or something:training is looked upon
with favour by many employers

• overgenerous preferential treatment:he was accused of showing favour to one of the

players
• [count noun] archaic a thing such as a badge or knot of ribbons that is given or worn
as a mark of liking or support

2. an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual:I've come to ask you a favour

• (one's favours) dated used with reference to a woman allowing a man to have sexual
intercourse with her:she had granted her favours to him

3. (also party favour) a small inexpensive gift given to guests at a party

verb

[with object]

1. feel or show approval or preference for:

slashing public spending is a policy that few politicians favour

• give unfairly preferential treatment to:critics argued that the policy favoured the
private sector
• work to the advantage of:natural selection has favoured bats

2. (favour someone with) (often used in polite requests) give someone (something
desired):please favour me with an answer

3. dated or North American resemble (a parent or other relative) in facial features:she's pretty,
and she favours you

4. treat (an injured limb) gently, not putting one's full weight on it:he favours his sore leg