Favor Meaning
Favor Definition & Usage
An act of kindness or assistance given to someone, often without expecting anything in return.
Examples
- "I did him a favor by picking up his dry cleaning while I was out."
- "Could you do me a favor and pass me that book?"
- "She asked for a favor, hoping I could help her with the project."
- "It's a favor to help others in need whenever you can."
- "They asked for a favor, but I wasn’t sure if I could help."
Approval or preference for someone or something.
Examples
- "She has a clear favor with her boss, always getting the best assignments."
- "The judge showed favor toward the defendant's lawyer, which caused some controversy."
- "In some cultures, having a favor for certain foods is linked to tradition."
- "His favor for certain types of music made him an odd match for the rest of the group."
- "She always seemed to show favor toward the underdog in competitions."
To show kindness or preference toward someone or something.
Examples
- "I will favor my sister when it comes to making the final decision."
- "The teacher favored the student who consistently did their homework."
- "The company is likely to favor candidates with relevant experience."
- "She favors organic foods and avoids processed items."
- "He favored giving advice over receiving it."
Cultural Context
The word 'favor' has been in use for centuries, originating from the Latin word 'favorem,' meaning 'good will' or 'kindness.' In many cultures, acts of favor are central to social relationships, often seen as expressions of generosity, goodwill, or personal preference. Favoritism, however, can have negative connotations when it involves unfairly privileging certain individuals or groups over others.
A Favor for the Underdog
Story
A Favor for the Underdog
On a crisp autumn afternoon, Anna sat in the crowded coffee shop, flipping through her planner. She had a million things on her mind but couldn't help noticing the small, struggling bookstore across the street. It was owned by Mr. Brown, an older man who'd always greeted her with a smile whenever she came in for her coffee. He was clearly struggling to keep his business afloat, and Anna had always felt a twinge of guilt that she didn't visit more often. She sighed and made her decision. Walking into the bookstore, she smiled as Mr. Brown looked up from behind the counter. "Good afternoon, Miss Anna. How are you today?" "I'm doing well, Mr. Brown. Actually, I was hoping you could do me a favor." Anna hesitated, feeling a bit awkward. She'd never asked anything of him before. "I was wondering if I could help out here for a few hours this afternoon? Maybe some organizing or dusting. I know you've got a lot of stock that needs attention." Mr. Brown's eyes brightened. "A favor? Why, I’d be delighted. But you’re sure? I wouldn’t want to take up your time." He smiled at her, clearly touched by her offer. "It's no trouble at all. I think you’ve done enough favors for me over the years, letting me browse at my leisure without any pressure. I’d love to return the kindness." Over the next few hours, Anna helped Mr. Brown clean and organize the shelves, chatting about books and old memories as they worked. By the end of the day, they’d made great progress, and the bookstore looked better than it had in months. As she left, Mr. Brown thanked her again, calling her a true friend. "I’m grateful for the favor you’ve done for me today. If you ever need anything in return, don’t hesitate to ask." As Anna walked back to her car, she thought about the word 'favor'—how something so simple as giving your time could mean so much to someone else. She hadn’t expected anything in return, but the warmth of helping Mr. Brown had made her day just as much as it had helped him. The next time she walked by the bookstore, it felt different—almost like it was her second home. The favor she'd done had made a difference, not just to Mr. Brown but to herself as well.
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