in favor

IPA/ɪn fˈeɪvə/
IPA/ɪn fˈeɪvɚ/

in favor — idiom

1. describes a person, thing, or idea that people currently like, approve of, or fe

1.idiomB1
Definition

describes a person, thing, or idea that people currently like, approve of, or feel positive about — for example, a policy that most voters support, or a fashion that many people are following.

Example

The new timetable was in favor with students because classes started an hour later.

pattern: be in favor with [group] + reason

After ten straight wins, Coach Rivera was in favor with every fan in the stadium.

pattern: after [achievement], be in favor with [group]

Common collocations
  • in favor with
  • in favor among
  • in favor at
  • fall out of favor
  • remain in favor
  • currently in favor
Synonyms
  • popular

    broader term; does not require a preposition to specify the group

  • well-liked

    warmer, more personal register; often used for people in social settings

  • approved

    more formal and official; often used for procedures or applications

Antonyms
  • out of favor

    the direct opposite; no longer popular or supported

  • unpopular

    stronger negative; actively disliked rather than simply not supported

Grammar Patterns

be in favor with [person/group]

be in favor among [group]

fall out of favor

Usage Note

Commonly takes a prepositional phrase with 'with', 'among', or 'at' to specify the group or context. The opposite is 'out of favor' (no longer liked or supported). This sense is always a predicate — it follows a linking verb like 'be', 'remain', or 'fall' — and cannot come before a noun (*an in favor policy).

Common Mistakes

The new policy is in favor.
The new policy is in favor with most employees.
'in favor' nearly always needs a prepositional phrase ('with', 'among', 'at') to complete the meaning.
I am in favor with the plan.
I am in favor of the plan.
'in favor of' (meaning 'supporting a proposal') has a different meaning and requires 'of', not 'with'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

'In favor' means currently liked or supported by a specific group, often with a time-limited or context-dependent feel. 'Popular' is broader — it describes wide appeal across many people without needing a prepositional complement. 'Well-liked' feels warmer and more personal, often used for individuals in social or workplace settings ('a well-liked teacher'), while 'approved' is more official and formal, used for documents, applications, or decisions. A product can be popular without being approved by authorities; a policy can be approved without being in favor with the public.

in favor ↗popular ↗well-liked ↗approved ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'favor' (good will, kindness, support). The phrase 'in favor' entered Middle English through Old French 'faveur', originally meaning 'regarded with kindness or approval'. The related 'out of favor' follows the same spatial metaphor of being 'in' or 'out of' a state of being liked.