Etymologically
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favorable

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 17 October 2026 at 16:35. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈfeɪ.vɚ.əbl/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is inherited from Middle English favourable, borrowed from Middle French favorable (“well-disposed, partial”),[2][3] from Latin favōrābilis (“favoured, popular, pleasing”),[2][3] from favor (“goodwill, partiality”) (see favor), from faveō (“to favour”).[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Kind, friendly: the late 14th century in Etymonline, the 14th century in Merriam-Webster.[2][3]

Semantic evolution

In Middle English it also meant attractive, pleasing or agreeable.[2] Advantageous is from the mid-15th century.[2] Of a wind, following, is a nautical use.[4]

Timeline

  • late 14th century – kind, friendly.[2]
  • mid-15th century – advantageous.[2]

Modern meaning

Adjective

  1. Showing approval; positive: a favorable review.
  2. Helpful or advantageous; likely to bring success.
  3. Granting what is asked.

Word family

  • favorableness
  • favorably
  • nonfavorable
  • unfavorable

Usage notes

Favorable is the American spelling of British favourable.[5][4]

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c d Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ a b The Chambers Dictionary (2008), 11th ed., Edinburgh: Chambers Harrap
  5. ^ Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (2009), 5th ed., Harlow: Pearson Longman