favor
Meaning
an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual
approval, support, or liking for someone or something
a small gift or souvenir given out at a party or event
to prefer or support one possibility over others
to treat someone with partiality or to their advantage
Usage
Could you do me a favor and pass the salt?
The judge showed clear favor towards the prosecution's argument.
The current economic conditions favor large, established corporations.
Etymology
The word 'favor' entered English in the late 13th century from Anglo-French favour and Old French favor, which meant goodwill or partiality. These French forms descended from the Latin favor, meaning goodwill or inclination, itself derived from the verb favere, meaning to show kindness to, to favor, or to befriend. The core semantic logic has remained remarkably consistent from its Latin origin: the concept of showing kindness, goodwill, or preferential support. The Proto-Indo-European root is likely \bʰeh₂- (to shine), suggesting an ancient metaphorical link where favor was seen as a shining or glowing regard towards someone.
Analysis
The word 'favor' is a simplex loanword from Anglo-French and Old French. Its spelling and form are not productively built from separate, identifiable morphemes in modern English.