favorable

[fey-ver-uh-buhl, feyv-ruh-]

adjective

1. characterized by approval or support; positive.

   a favorable report.

2. creating or winning favor; pleasing.

   to make a favorable impression.

3. affording advantage, opportunity, or convenience; advantageous.

   a favorable position.

4. (of an answer) granting what is desired.

5. boding well; propitious.

   The signs are favorable for a new start.

Other Word Forms

• favorableness noun
• favorably adverb
• nonfavorable adjective
• nonfavorableness noun
• nonfavorably adverb
• overfavorable adjective
• overfavorableness noun
• overfavorably adverb
• prefavorable adjective
• prefavorably adverb
• quasi-favorable adjective
• quasi-favorably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of favorable¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Middle French, from Latin favōrābilis; equivalent to favor + -able

Example Sentences

“It’s a little more favorable for us to be able to work on the fire and have a little less chance for volatile fire activity,” said Sam Wu, a spokesperson for the Garnet fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, media reports indicate that he has spent 29% of his current term at his own golf courses, presumably having his caddy make favorable drops for him whenever the balls are out of sight.

From Salon

A Gallup poll in July found only 9% of Democrats had a favorable view of the Israeli prime minister.

From Salon

Pirro’s tough-girl shtick may elicit praise from the boss and favorable coverage from her former Fox News peers, but it doesn’t translate to credibility in court.

From Salon

Voters in their 20s have the most favorable view of research.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appropriate 
• beneficial 
• benign 
• convenient 
• encouraging www.thesaurus.com
• fair 
• helpful 
• pleasant 
• pleasing 
• suitable 
• useful