FAVOUR

Definition of FAVOUR

FAVOUR Noun and Verb

Favour is a noun and verb that refers to an act of kindness, a gesture intended to benefit someone, or a show of support and approval. It represents an action, decision, or attitude that provides an advantage, goodwill, or preferential treatment.

FAVOUR as a noun

Kindness or Assistance: As a noun, favour describes a specific act of kindness or assistance extended to someone. For example, “She did me a favour by picking up my mail while I was away.” This usage emphasizes the supportive nature of the action, typically done voluntarily and without immediate expectation of return.

Preference or Partiality: Favour can also denote a preference or partiality toward someone or something. For instance, “The manager showed favour toward the experienced candidate.” This indicates that the person or thing is preferred or given special treatment compared to others, reflecting an inclination or bias.

Support or Endorsement: In some contexts, favour refers to expressing support or endorsement for a person, idea, or cause. For example, “The senator voiced his favour for the new policy.” This highlights an active endorsement that can influence opinions or decisions.

Reciprocal Favour: The term can describe mutual or reciprocal acts of kindness. For example, “I did him a favour last week, so he agreed to return the favour.” This reflects the idea of exchanging beneficial actions based on mutual respect or obligation.

Favour in Decision-Making: In decision-making contexts, favour can refer to an outcome that benefits one party over another. For example, “The judge ruled in favour of the plaintiff.” This indicates that the decision was made to benefit one side in a legal or formal process.

FAVORUR as a verb

Favour as a verb means to show preferential treatment, support, or advantage toward someone or something. It involves actions or attitudes that benefit or support an individual, idea, or group, often implying a positive bias or partiality.

Showing Preference: When used as a verb, favour involves expressing a preference or partiality. For example, “The manager favours employees who demonstrate strong initiative.” This usage reflects the act of giving special consideration or advantage to certain individuals based on their qualities or performance.

Supporting or Endorsing: Favour as a verb can also involve actively supporting or endorsing a person, cause, or idea. For example, “She favours policies that promote environmental sustainability.” This shows active backing or endorsement that influences decisions or opinions.

Impact on Relationships: Using favour as a verb can impact relationships by creating perceptions of bias or preferential treatment. For instance, favouring certain employees over others might lead to perceptions of unfairness or favoritism in a workplace setting.

Cultural and Social Contexts: The concept of favour is understood and valued differently across cultures and social settings. In some cultures, doing and receiving favours is integral to social and business interactions, while in others, formal agreements might take precedence over informal favours. Social norms surrounding favours can influence their perception and reciprocation.

In conclusion, favour encompasses both noun and verb forms related to kindness, preferential treatment, and support. As a noun, it describes acts of assistance or preference, while as a verb, it involves showing preferential treatment or support. Understanding the various uses of favour helps in navigating social interactions, making decisions, and recognizing the role of kindness and bias in personal and professional contexts.

Examples of FAVOUR in a sentence

FAVOUR as a noun in a sentence

  • She did a favour for her friend by helping with the move on the weekend.
  • The judge ruled in favour of the defendant, citing insufficient evidence.
  • The company’s decision to offer a bonus was seen as a favour to the employees.
  • He asked a small favour of his colleague, requesting help with a project.
  • The favour of the crowd was evident when they cheered loudly for the home team.
  • They made the decision to grant the loan in favour of the small business.
  • Her favour of the new policy was clear from her enthusiastic support at the meeting.
  • The politician’s favour was crucial in passing the new legislation.

FAVOUR as a verb in a sentence

  • She agreed to favour her friend by lending him the money he needed.
  • The committee decided to favour the proposal that promised the most benefit to the community.
  • He was asked to favour the new candidate over the more experienced one.
  • The manager will favour employees who show exceptional performance and dedication.
  • They hoped the judge would favour their side in the legal dispute.
  • The policy changes aim to favour smaller businesses in the competitive market.
  • She felt the new rules would favour students who had more time to study.
  • The team’s performance might favour their chances of winning the championship.

Origin of FAVOUR

Favour traces its origins to the Latin word favorem, meaning “support” or “kindness,” which is derived from the verb favere, meaning “to show kindness” or “to favor.” This term evolved through Old French into Middle English, retaining its meaning related to preferential treatment or support.

  • Latin: Favorem (support, kindness), from favere (to favor).
  • Latin: Favorem referred to support or kindness, and favere was used to describe showing preference or favor.
  • Old French: Favor evolved from Latin, retaining the sense of preferential treatment or support.
  • Middle English: Favour entered English, describing acts of kindness, support, or preferential treatment.

In contemporary English, favour refers to an act of kindness or support, as well as preferential treatment given to someone or something. It can also denote a special privilege or advantage granted to someone. The term maintains its core meaning of support and preferential treatment, reflecting its historical roots in kindness and assistance.

Synonyms

  • Benefit
  • Advantage
  • Support
  • Approval
  • Kindness
  • Help
  • Preference
  • Assistance

Antonyms

  • Disfavor
  • Disadvantage
  • Opposition
  • Hostility
  • Hindrance
  • Rejection
  • Objection
  • Unfavourable treatment

Related

  • Grace
  • Benefit
  • Endorsement
  • Aid
  • Supportive action
  • Preference
  • Goodwill
  • Assistance

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