Favourable

How to spell favourable

10 letters · 4 syllables

How to pronounce favourable

Say the part in capitals loudest.

What does favourable mean?

1. adjectiveExpressing approval, or providing conditions that help or benefit something.

Favourable in a sentence

• The report gave a favourable review of the new policy.

• We waited for favourable weather before setting off on the hike.

Where does favourable come from?

Language of origin: Latin

This word traces back to the Latin favorabilis, meaning 'popular' or 'enjoying goodwill', which was built on favor, the noun for kindly disposition or support that you show towards someone. The root verb favere literally meant 'to be kindly disposed to' or 'to show favour'. English took the word in during the late 1300s through Old French favorable, where it already carried the sense of approving and helping along. The retained 'u' in the British and Canadian spelling comes directly from the Old French favour, and that extra letter is the very part that trips up writers who are used to seeing the American 'favorable'. Over the centuries the meaning broadened from simply 'showing kindness' to describing any circumstance, opinion, or condition that works in one's interest.

How the word is built

• favour- (from Latin favor: goodwill)
• -able (capable of, worthy of)

British and American spelling

Favourable is the British spelling. American English spells it favorable.