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Favour: meaning, definitions and examples

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favour

 

[ˈfeɪvər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a positive way

A kind or helpful act done for someone else; a preference for one option over another

Synonyms

benefit, kindness, preference.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
favour

Used when doing something to help someone or when asking for special consideration.

  • Could you do me a favour and pick up my mail?
  • The manager showed her favour by promoting him.
kindness

Used when referring to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

  • She showed great kindness in helping the elderly man.
  • Your kindness is appreciated.
benefit

Used when referring to an advantage or profit gained from something.

  • Exercise has many health benefits.
  • He received benefits from the company's new policy.
preference

Used when expressing a greater liking for one alternative over another.

  • She has a preference for tea over coffee.
  • His preference was to stay home rather than go out.

Examples of usage

  • She did me a favour by giving me a ride to work.
  • I would like to ask you a favour.
  • He asked for a favour in return for his help.
  • I have a favour to ask of you.
  • Could you do me a favour and water my plants while I'm away?
Context #2 | Verb

in a positive way

To support or prefer one option over another; to do something to help someone

Synonyms

help, prefer, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
favour

Used when someone does something kind or helpful for another person, often as a one-time act or request.

  • Could you do me a favour and watch my dog this weekend?
  • She asked her friend for a favour to pick up groceries.
support

Employed when providing assistance, encouragement, or backing, often in a more sustained or ongoing manner.

  • Parents should support their children's dreams.
  • The organization supports local artists.
prefer

Used to show a choice or liking for one thing over another.

  • I prefer tea over coffee.
  • She prefers walking to taking the bus.
help

Used when providing assistance or aiding someone in need. It is a broader term encompassing both small and significant acts of assistance.

  • I need help with my homework.
  • The community came together to help the victims of the flood.

Examples of usage

  • I would favour the blue color for the walls.
  • She tends to favour traditional methods over modern ones.
  • He will favour you with his presence at the event.
  • I would favour going to the beach rather than the park.
  • The judge may favour the plaintiff in this case.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'favorem', meaning 'kindness' or 'support'.
  • Related words in English include 'favorit' and 'favoritism', which hint at special treatment for certain people.
  • In different languages, the word has similar roots, showcasing a common theme of kindness or support.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, asking for a favor is a sign of trust, showing the bond between people.
  • In some traditions, favors might be exchanged during weddings or special occasions, symbolizing goodwill.
  • Certain social rituals, like granting a favor, help strengthen community ties and friendships.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that people are more likely to reciprocate a favor, reinforcing social connections.
  • Doing favors can boost mood and happiness, as it makes individuals feel more connected to others.
  • Asking for a favor can also enhance relationships, as it demonstrates vulnerability and trust.

Literature

  • Favors often play crucial roles in literary plots, serving as pivotal moments that influence character relationships.
  • Classic stories frequently explore the theme of reciprocity, as characters navigate the complexities of favors.
  • Favors can act as symbols in literature, representing loyalty, trust, or even manipulation within narratives.

Pop Culture

  • In films and TV shows, favors are typically depicted as turning points that lead to dramatic changes in character dynamics.
  • Catchphrases surrounding favors, like 'You owe me one!', have permeated popular culture and reflect everyday social interactions.
  • Many songs reference doing favors for love, highlighting how significant these actions are within romantic contexts.

Translations

Translations of the word "favour" in other languages:

🇵🇹 favor

🇮🇳 अनुग्रह

🇩🇪 Gunst

🇮🇩 kebaikan

🇺🇦 прихильність

🇵🇱 przysługa

🇯🇵 好意 (こうい)

🇫🇷 faveur

🇪🇸 favor

🇹🇷 iyilik

🇰🇷 호의 (호의)

🇸🇦 نعمة

🇨🇿 přízeň

🇸🇰 priazeň

🇨🇳 恩惠 (ēnhuì)

🇸🇮 naklonjenost

🇮🇸 velvild

🇰🇿 қолдау

🇬🇪 წყალობა

🇦🇿 xeyirxahlıq

🇲🇽 favor

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,464, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.