Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a way that shows approval or a positive opinion: "Favourably" describes an action done with a positive bias, agreement, or kindness.
   • In a way that gives an advantage or is beneficial: It can also describe a situation that develops to someone's advantage or in a beneficial manner.

Usage Examples

• Showing Approval:

  • The manager looked upon her proposal favourably. (The manager viewed her proposal with approval.)
  • Critics responded favourably to the new film. (Critics reacted to the new film with a positive opinion.)

• In an Advantageous Way:

  • The new evidence compares favourably with the old theory. (The new evidence stands in a beneficial or advantageous comparison to the old theory.)
  • The deal was settled favourably for our client. (The deal was concluded in a way that benefited our client.)

Advanced Usage

• "to look favourably upon/on something/someone": To regard something or someone with approval or kindness.

  • The committee looks favourably upon applications with prior experience. (The committee views applications with prior experience in a positive light.)

• "to compare favourably with something": To be as good as or better than something else.

  • This year's sales figures compare favourably with last year's. (This year's sales figures are as good as or better than last year's.)

Variants and Related Words

• Favorable (Adjective): Expressing approval; giving an advantage.

  • We received a favorable review. (We received a positive review.)
  • The weather conditions were favorable for sailing. (The weather conditions were advantageous for sailing.)

• Favor (Noun/Verb): (Noun) Approval, support, or a kind act. (Verb) To prefer, support, or treat with partiality.

  • She did me a great favor. (She did a very kind act for me.)
  • The judge must not favor either side. (The judge must not show partiality to either side.)

Synonyms

• Approvingly: In a manner showing official agreement or consent.
• Positively: In a good, constructive, or optimistic way.
• Advantageously: In a way that puts one in a better position.

Antonyms

• Unfavourably (Adverb): In a way that shows disapproval or creates a disadvantage.
• Negatively: In a bad, harmful, or pessimistic way.
• Critically: In a disapproving or fault-finding manner.

Related Phrases

• In a favourable light: Presented or perceived in a positive way.

  • The article portrayed the policy in a favourable light. (The article presented the policy positively.)

• Favourable terms: Conditions that are advantageous or beneficial.

  • They secured a loan on very favourable terms. (They obtained a loan with very beneficial conditions.)

Adverb

1. showing approval
   • he reviewed the play favorably