Favor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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favor

[ˈfeɪvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a positive way

A kind or helpful act that is done for someone

Synonyms

assistance, good deed, help, kindness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
favor	A 'favor' is typically something done to help someone as a friendly gesture. It doesn’t usually expect anything in return. Could you do me a favor and check on my cat while I'm away? I'll return the favor when you need it.
kindness	'Kindness' refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, and is often used to describe small or spontaneous acts that make a positive impact. Her kindness towards strangers is truly admirable. A little kindness can go a long way.
good deed	A 'good deed' implies an action taken to help someone in a selfless and kind manner, often with a moral or ethical dimension. Helping the homeless is a good deed. She performed a good deed by volunteering at the shelter.
help	'Help' is a general term used in almost any situation where someone needs assistance or relief. It’s informal and widely applicable. Can you help me move this table? I need help with my homework.
assistance	Use 'assistance' in more formal situations where help is needed, often in professional or official contexts. We require your assistance with this project. Thank you for offering your assistance during the event.

Examples of usage

She did me a favor by giving me a ride to work.
I would really appreciate it if you could do me a favor and water my plants while I'm away.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a negative way

An act of dishonesty or unfair treatment, especially in a competition

Synonyms

bias, cheating, preferential treatment, unfair advantage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
favor	Used when someone is treated with kindness, often doing something for someone else as a gesture of goodwill. I did her a favor by picking up her groceries. Can you do me a favor and watch my dog while I'm away?
unfair advantage	Used when someone has an advantage over others that is deemed unjust or unethical. Having access to the exam questions beforehand gave him an unfair advantage. She believed that the wealthy students had an unfair advantage when it came to networking opportunities.
bias	Describes an unfair preference or inclination that prevents objective judgment. The judge's bias was evident in the final decision. He has a bias for hiring only graduates from his alma mater.
preferential treatment	Refers to giving someone special privileges or advantages over others, often in a formal or structured setting. The VIP members received preferential treatment at the event. Preferential treatment for certain employees can cause resentment in the workplace.
cheating	Implies breaking rules or behaving dishonestly to gain an unfair advantage. It has a strong negative connotation. He was caught cheating during the exam. Cheating in sports can lead to severe penalties.

Examples of usage

He asked for a favor from the referee to help him win the game.
The company was accused of granting favors to certain clients over others.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to prefer

To prefer or choose something over other options

Synonyms

choose, prefer, select.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
favor	In its second usage, it can mean showing kindness or granting a request, often implying a sense of obligation or helpfulness. Can you do me a favor and pick up my mail? He is always willing to return a favor.
prefer	Used when someone likes one thing more than another, often based on personal taste or inclination. I prefer staying at home on weekends. She prefers tea over coffee.
choose	Used in situations where one makes a decision between two or more options, often implying a deliberate decision-making process. You can choose any dessert from the menu. He needs to choose between going to college and starting a job.
select	Used when someone makes a choice from a group, often implying a formal or careful decision. Please select the best candidate for the job. The chef will select the finest ingredients for the meal.

Examples of usage

I favor chocolate ice cream over vanilla.
She tends to favor action movies over romantic comedies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, doing a favor can strengthen social bonds and is often reciprocated.
In many societies, favors are vital in business networking where mutual benefits are sought.
Different cultures have unique customs surrounding favors, such as gift-giving traditions during holidays.

Psychology

Research shows that people are more likely to help others when a favor is asked directly.
Reciprocity is a key concept in social psychology, where individuals feel compelled to return favors.
Acts of kindness, such as helping others, can increase one's own happiness and emotional well-being.

Literature

In many classic stories, characters perform favors that lead to interesting plot developments or moral lessons.
Shakespeare often used the concept of favors in his plays, exploring themes of loyalty and friendship.
Modern novels frequently explore the complexity of favors, depicting the balance of power in relationships.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'do me a favor' is widely recognized in songs and films, reflecting the casual nature of asking for help.
Television shows often depict characters doing favors for one another, highlighting friendship dynamics.
The culture of 'favor banks' has emerged where individuals keep track of favors in relationships, especially in social media contexts.

Origin of 'favor'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from Latin 'favorem', meaning 'support' or 'kindness'.
It entered the English language in the Middle Ages, making its way from Old French.
The term has evolved to include both giving and asking for kindness or help.

The word 'favor' originated from the Latin word 'favor' which means 'goodwill, kindness'. It entered the English language in the 13th century. Originally, it referred to support or approval given to someone. Over time, its meaning expanded to include acts of kindness or preference. In modern usage, 'favor' can have positive or negative connotations depending on the context in which it is used.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,617, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1614 brown
1615 extensive
1616 evaluation
1617 favor
1618 calculated
1619 equation
1620 settlement
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