favour
UK: ˈfeɪvə | US: ˈfeɪvər
n. approval, support, or kindness
n. a small gift or gesture of goodwill
vt. to prefer or support someone/something
favour = fav<kindness> + our<noun suffix>
- fav (from Latin favere, meaning "to show kindness or support")
- our (a noun-forming suffix in Old French, later adopted into Middle English)
Etymology Origin:
The word "favour" traces back to Latin favere ("to be kind to, support"), which evolved into Old French favor (noun) and favorer (verb). Middle English adopted it as favour, retaining the core sense of kindness or preference. The suffix -our reflects its French influence, later simplified to -or in American English (e.g., "favor"). The word’s evolution mirrors societal values of patronage and goodwill.
She won the teacher’s favour by working hard.
Could you do me a favour and pass the salt?
The judge ruled in favour of the plaintiff.
He always favours tea over coffee.
The party decorations were a lovely favour for the guests.