favourable

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle English favourable, from Old French favorable, from Latin favōrābilis, from favor. By surface analysis, favour +‎ -able.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈfeɪv(ə)ɹəbəl/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Adjective

favourable (comparative more favourable, superlative most favourable)

  1. Apt to win favour; pleasing.
    Synonyms: good, pleasing
    Antonyms: bad, displeasing, unfavorable
    The candidate wearing the business suit made a favourable impression.
  2. Expressing or indicating favour or goodwill; approving, encouraging.
    Synonyms: approving, encouraging, positive
    Antonyms: disapproving, discouraging, negative, unfavourable
    The proposal has received many favourable comments.
  3. Useful or helpful.
    Synonyms: advantageous, helpful, useful, propitious
    Antonyms: unfavourable, unhelpful
    We made quick progress, due to favourable winds.
  4. Convenient or at a suitable time; opportune.
    Synonyms: convenient, good, handy, opportune, suitable
    Antonyms: bad, inconvenient, inopportune, unfavourable, unsuitable
    The rain stopped at a favourable time for our tennis match.
  5. Auspicious or lucky.
    Synonyms: auspicious, fortunate, lucky
    Antonyms: inauspicious, unfavourable, unlucky
    She says that she was born under a favourable star.

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

favourable (plural favourables)

  1. (plural only) Favourability ratings, percentage of people in favour
    • 2020 October 17, Éric Grenier, “How U.S. polls got it wrong in 2016 — and why they're more likely to get it right this time”, in CBC‎[1]:
      As of Friday, RealClearPolitics puts Biden's favourables at 51 per cent and his unfavourables at 44 per cent.

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Borrowed from Old French favorable, from Latin favorabilis; equivalent to favour +‎ -able.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˌfaːvuˈraːbəl/, /ˌfaːvuˈraːblə/

Adjective

favourable

  1. benevolent, well-disposed
  2. biased, prejudiced
  3. pleasing, attractive
  4. (rare) beneficial, favourable

Descendants

  • English: favourable, favorable

References

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