- something done or granted out of goodwill, rather than from justice or for remuneration; a kind act: to ask a favor.
- friendly or well-disposed regard; goodwill: to win the favor of the king.
- the state of being approved or held in regard: to be in favor at court; styles that are now in favor.
- excessive kindness or unfair partiality; preferential treatment: to treat some people with favor and others with neglect.
- a gift bestowed as a token of goodwill, kind regard, love, etc., as formerly upon a knight by his lady.
- a ribbon, badge, etc., worn in evidence of goodwill or loyalty, as by an adherent of a political party.
- a small gift or decorative or festive item, as a noisemaker or paper hat, often distributed to guests at a party.
- sexual intimacy, especially as permitted by a woman.
- a letter, especially a commercial one.
- to regard with favor: to favor an enterprise.
- to prefer; treat with partiality: The father favored his younger son.
- to show favor to; oblige:The king favored him with an audience.
- to be favorable to; facilitate: The wind favored their journey.
- to deal with, treat, or use gently: to favor a lame leg.
- to aid or support: He favored his party's cause with ample funds.
- to bear a physical resemblance to; resemble: to favor one's father's side of the family.
- to gain the favor of; be liked by: The play found favor with the opening-night audience.
- in favor of,
- on the side of; in support of: to be in favor of reduced taxation.
- to the advantage of.
- (of a check, draft, etc.) payable to: Make out your checks in favor of the corporation.
- to one's credit or advantage: All the comments were in your favor.
- no longer liked or approved; no longer popular or fashionable: He's out of favor with the president and may soon be fired.
