favourable

Everyday

1. Good for you or helpful; giving an advantage: favourable weather for sailing. tree →
2. Showing that someone likes or approves of something: a favourable report. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography «favourable conditions» are the right warmth, water and light for plants or animals; in everyday life a favourable answer is a yes. Phrases: «favourable conditions», «a favourable opinion», «favourable to».

Examples

• The weather was favourable, so we went sailing. tree →
• Seeds grow well in favourable conditions. tree →
• The teacher wrote a favourable report about my work. tree →
• The wind was favourable for flying kites. tree →
• The plan got a favourable answer from the council. tree →
• Warm wet soil is favourable to worms. tree →
• The ship set sail for Christiansand in Norway, and as the wind was favourable it soon arrived there. tree →

Note

UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada: «favourable»; US: «favorable». Opposite: unfavourable. Related: favour, favourite.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means kind and showing grace, especially God being gracious to His people.

Interpretation. The tradition reads God's favor as His mercy in forgiving and restoring Israel.

Examples

• 'Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will He be favourable no more? (Writings PSA.77.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• LORD, Thou hast been favourable unto Thy land, Thou hast turned the captivity of Jacob. (Writings PSA.85.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• He prayeth unto God, and He is favourable unto him; so that he seeth His face with joy; and He restoreth unto man his righteousness. (Writings JOB.33.26, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada: «favourable»; US: «favorable». Opposite: unfavourable. Related: favour, favourite.