favorable
UK spellingfavourable
- 1Expressing approval, support, or goodwill toward someone or something.
The film opened to favorable reviews in most of the major newspapers.
Voters have a largely favorable view of the mayor's first year in office.
Similarpositive, approving, good, complimentary, glowing
Oppositeunfavorable, negative, hostile, critical
- 2Useful or helpful, working to someone's or something's advantage.
With favorable winds behind them, the sailors crossed the bay in under an hour.
The bank offered him a loan on unusually favorable terms.
Similaradvantageous, beneficial, good, helpful, attractive
Oppositeunfavorable, adverse, disadvantageous
- 3Likely to win someone's approval or liking; pleasing.
Her calm, careful answers left a favorable impression on the hiring panel.
The flattering profile presented the senator's record in a favorable light.
Similarpositive, good, pleasing, agreeable, flattering
Oppositeunfavorable, negative, unflattering, bad
- 4Coming at a convenient or suitable time; opportune.
The negotiators waited for a favorable moment to raise the question of pay.
The dry spell arrived at a favorable time for farmers bringing in the harvest.
Similaropportune, suitable, convenient, right, good
Oppositeunfavorable, inopportune, inconvenient, unsuitable
- 5Promising success or good fortune; lucky.
She read the clear, calm morning as a favorable omen for the voyage.
The astrologer declared the date favorable for signing the treaty.
Similarauspicious, promising, good, lucky, propitious
Oppositeinauspicious, unfavorable, unlucky, ominous
Practice
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Origin
From Middle English favourable, from Old French favorable, from Latin favōrābilis, which comes from favor. By surface analysis, it is favor + -able.