favourable

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle English favourable, from Old French favorable, from Latin favōrābilis, from favor.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈfeɪv(ə)ɹəbəl/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Adjective

favourable (comparative more favourable, superlative most favourable)

  1. Pleasing, encouraging or approving.
    Synonyms: approving, encouraging, good, pleasing
    Antonyms: bad, discouraging, displeasing, unfavorable
    The candidate wearing the business suite made a favourable impression.
  2. Useful or helpful.
    Synonyms: advantageous, helpful, useful
    Antonym: unhelpful
    We made quick progress, due to favourable winds.
  3. Convenient or at a suitable time; opportune.
    Synonyms: convenient, good, handy, opportune, suitable
    Antonyms: bad, inconvenient, inopportune, unsuitable
    The rain stopped at a favourable time for our tennis match.
  4. Auspicious or lucky.
    Synonyms: auspicious, fortunate, lucky
    Antonyms: inauspicious, unfavourable, unlucky
    She says that she was born under a favourable star.

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

favourable (plural favourables)

  1. (plural only) Favourability ratings, percentage of people in favour
    • 2020 October 17, Éric Grenier, “How U.S. polls got it wrong in 2016 — and why they're more likely to get it right this time”, in CBC‎:
      As of Friday, RealClearPolitics puts Biden's favourables at 51 per cent and his unfavourables at 44 per cent.

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Borrowed from Old French favorable, from Latin favorabilis; equivalent to favour +‎ -able.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˌfaːvuˈraːbəl/, /ˌfaːvuˈraːblə/

Adjective

favourable

  1. benevolent, well-disposed
  2. biased, prejudiced
  3. pleasing, attractive
  4. (rare) beneficial, favourable

Descendants
  • English: favourable, favorable

References
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