favourable
US spellingfavorable
- 1Helping you get what you want, or happening at a good time for you.
With favourable winds, the boat reached the island by lunchtime.
The bank offered him a loan on very favourable terms.
UsageSay conditions are favourable for something, or a loan is on favourable terms.
Similarhelpful, useful, advantageous
Oppositeunfavourable, unhelpful
- 2Showing that someone likes, agrees with or supports something.
The film got very favourable reviews in the newspapers.
Most parents were favourable to the idea of a longer lunch break.
UsageSay people are favourable to an idea. It is not the same as favourite.
Similarpositive, approving, encouraging
Oppositenegative, unfavourable, disapproving, discouraging
- 3Pleasing, and likely to make people think well of someone or something.
She made a favourable impression at her job interview.
The report shows the school in a favourable light.
UsageOften make a favourable impression, or in a favourable light.
Oppositeunfavourable, displeasing
- 4Lucky, or a sign that good things will happen.
The fortune teller said the cards were favourable for my trip.
They took the sunny morning as a favourable sign for the wedding.
Similarlucky, fortunate, auspicious
Oppositeunlucky, unfavourable, inauspicious
Less common meaning
- 5Used as favourables: how many people out of every hundred say they like or support someone or something.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Old French favorable and Latin favōrābilis, from favor. In English it can be seen as favour + -able.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Favourable derives from Old French favorable and ultimately Latin favōrābilis. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin favōrābilis derives from favor. en.wiktionary.org
- English favourable can be analysed as favour + -able. en.wiktionary.org