favorable English · revision 15461

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=late 14th century|origins=la faveō}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈfeɪ.vɚ.əbl/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[inh|enm|favourable]], [[bor|frm|favorable|t=well-disposed, partial]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) from [[la|favōrābilis|t=favoured, popular, pleasing]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) from [[m|la|favor|t=goodwill, partiality]] (see [[favor]]), from [[m|la|faveō|t=to favour]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Kind, friendly: the late 14th century in Etymonline, the 14th century in Merriam-Webster.^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ In Middle English it also meant attractive, pleasing or agreeable.^(Etymonline) Advantageous is from the mid-15th century.^(Etymonline) Of a wind, following, is a nautical use.^(Chambers 2008)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * late 14th century – kind, friendly.^(Etymonline)

+ * mid-15th century – advantageous.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Showing approval; positive: ''a favorable review''.^(AHD)^(LDOCE 2009)

+ # Helpful or [[advantageous]]; likely to bring success.^(AHD)^(Chambers 2008)

+ # Granting what is asked.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[favorableness]]

+ * [[favorably]]

+ * [[nonfavorable]]

+ * [[unfavorable]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[favor]]

+ * [[favorite]]

+ * [[favour]]

+ * [[favourable]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ ''Favorable'' is the American spelling of British ''favourable''.^(LDOCE 2009)^(Chambers 2008)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}