favor
UK: ˈfeɪvə | US: ˈfeɪvər
n. approval, support, or kindness toward someone or something
n. a small gift or gesture of goodwill (e.g., party favor)
vt. to prefer or support something over alternatives
favor = fav<to show kindness> + or<noun suffix>
- fav (from Latin favere, meaning "to show kindness or support")
- or (a noun-forming suffix in Latin-derived words, indicating an agent or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word "favor" traces back to the Latin favor, meaning "goodwill" or "partiality," derived from the verb favere ("to be kind to"). It entered Middle English via Old French favor, retaining its core sense of kindness or preference. The suffix -or (from Latin -or) solidifies the noun form, reflecting the result of an action (e.g., "favor" as an act of kindness). Over time, the word expanded to include tangible tokens of goodwill (e.g., party favors) and the verb form ("to favor").
She asked for a favor when she needed help moving.
The judge showed no favor to either side in the dispute.
He tends to favor classical music over modern pop.
The teacher gave him extra credit as a special favor.
The policy favors small businesses by reducing taxes.