Flavour vs. Favor: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
"Flavour" refers to the distinctive taste of something, while "Favor" means an act of kindness or support.
Key Differences
"Flavour" and "Favor" are two words with different meanings and uses. "Flavour" pertains to sensory perception, particularly the sense of taste. When we eat or drink something, we experience its flavour, which can range from sweet to salty, bitter to umami.
On the other hand, "Favor" has a social connotation. It denotes an act of kindness, support, or assistance done for someone. For instance, if someone lends you a book or helps you move furniture, they are doing you a favor.
"Flavour" can also have a metaphorical use, suggesting a particular quality or characteristic of something. For example, a discussion might have a "flavour" of sarcasm. "Favor," however, can also mean a preferential bias towards someone or something, as in showing favoritism.
Both words have roots in Old French. "Flavour" comes from "flaour," meaning smell, odor, and "Favor" originates from "faveur," indicating goodwill or approval. Yet, in contemporary American English, these words have diverged greatly in meaning and application.
Interestingly, the spelling of "Flavour" with a 'u' is more common in British English, whereas American English typically uses "Flavor" without the 'u'. Similarly, "Favor" remains consistent in American English, while British English might use "Favour."
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
The distinctive taste of something.
An act of kindness or support.
Metaphorical Use
Quality or characteristic of something.
Preferential bias or approval.
Origin
Old French "flaour" (smell, odor).
Old French "faveur" (goodwill, approval).
Spelling Variations
"Flavour" (British English), "Flavor" (American English).
Consistently "Favor" in American English.
Associated Sensation
Taste.
Social or relational gesture.
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Flavour and Favor Definitions
Flavour
A distinct quality or characteristic.
The story had a flavour of mystery.
Favor
An act of kindness or assistance.
She did me a favor by picking up my mail.
Flavour
A particular variety of something.
They introduced a new flavour of chips.
Favor
A state of being approved or preferred.
The decision found favor among the members.
Flavour
The essence of a substance.
She added vanilla flavour to the cake.
Favor
A small gift or souvenir.
Guests received party favors at the end.
Flavour
The specific taste of a food or drink.
The ice cream had a rich chocolate flavour.
Favor
Partiality or bias.
The judge should not show favor to anyone.
Flavour
A substance added to impart a specific taste.
This drink contains natural flavours.
Favor
To support or advocate.
I favor the first proposal over the others.
Flavour
Variant of flavor.
Favor
A gracious, friendly, or obliging act that is freely granted
Do someone a favor.
Flavour
Standard spelling of flavor#Noun
The flavour of this apple pie is delicious.
Flavour was added to the pudding.
What flavour of bubble gum do you enjoy?
The flavour of an experience.
Debian is one flavour of the Linux operating system.
Favor
Friendly or favorable regard; approval or support
Won the favor of the monarch.
Looked with favor on the plan.
Flavour
Standard spelling of flavor#Verb
Favor
A state of being held in such regard
A style currently in favor.
Flavour
The general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people;
The feel of the city excited him
A clergyman improved the tone of the meeting
It had the smell of treason
Favor
Unfair partiality; favoritism
The referees were warned not to show favor to either team.
Flavour
(physics) the kinds of quarks and antiquarks
Favor
A privilege or concession
Had the favor of talking with her for an hour.
Flavour
The taste experience when a savoury condiment is taken into the mouth
Favor
Favors Permission to engage in sexual activity, especially when granted by a woman to a male partner.
Flavour
Lend flavor to;
Season the chicken breast after roasting it
Favor
Something given as a token of love, affection, or remembrance.
Favor
A small decorative gift given to each guest at a party.
Favor
Advantage; benefit
Sailed under favor of cloudless skies.
Favor
Behalf; interest
An error in our favor.
Favor
(Obsolete) A communication, especially a letter.
Favor
Aspect or appearance.
Favor
Countenance; face.
Favor
(Obsolete) A facial feature.
Favor
To perform a kindness or service for; oblige.
Favor
To have a liking for; be partial to; prefer
Favored coffee over tea at breakfast.
Favored the suitor with the quick wit.
Favor
To approve, advocate, or support
Economists who favor free trade.
Favor
To show partiality or unfair preference to
Thought the law favored men over women.
Favor
To believe to be most likely to succeed
The Tigers are favored to win the championship.
Favor
To be advantageous to; make more likely to be successful
Darkness favored their escape. The climate favors conifers.
Favor
To speed up or otherwise increase the success of (a chemical process or pathway)
Increasing the pressure favors the reaction.
Favor
To treat with care; be gentle with
Favored my wounded leg.
Favor
Chiefly Southern US To resemble in appearance
She favors her father.
Favor
To resemble another in appearance
She and her father favor.
Favor
A kind or helpful deed; an instance of voluntarily assisting (someone).
He did me a favor when he took the time to drive me home.
Favor
Goodwill; benevolent regard.
She enjoyed the queen's favor.
To fall out of favor
Favor
A small gift; a party favor.
At the holiday dinner, the hosts had set a favor by each place setting.
A marriage favour is a bunch or knot of white ribbons or white flowers worn at a wedding.
Favor
Mildness or mitigation of punishment; lenity.
Favor
The object of regard; person or thing favoured.
Favor
(obsolete) Appearance; look; countenance; face.
Favor
(legal) Partiality; bias
Favor
(archaic) A letter, a written communication.
Favor
(obsolete) Anything worn publicly as a pledge of a woman's favor.
Favor
(obsolete) A ribbon or similar small item that is worn as an adornment, especially in celebration of an event.
Favor
To look upon fondly; to prefer.
Favor
To use more often.
Favor
To encourage, conduce to
Favor
To do a favor [noun sense 1] for; to show beneficence toward.
Would you favor us with a poetry reading?
Favor
To treat with care.
Favoring your sore leg will only injure the other one.
Favor
To resemble; especially, to look like (another person).
Favor
Kind regard; propitious aspect; countenance; friendly disposition; kindness; good will.
Hath crawled into the favor of the king.
Favor
The act of countenancing, or the condition of being countenanced, or regarded propitiously; support; promotion; befriending.
But found no favor in his lady's eyes.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Favor
A kind act or office; kindness done or granted; benevolence shown by word or deed; an act of grace or good will, as distinct from justice or remuneration.
Beg one favor at thy gracious hand.
Favor
Mildness or mitigation of punishment; lenity.
I could not discover the lenity and favor of this sentence.
Favor
The object of regard; person or thing favored.
All these his wondrous works, but chiefly man,His chief delight and favor.
Favor
A gift or present; something bestowed as an evidence of good will; a token of love; a knot of ribbons; something worn as a token of affection; as, a marriage favor is a bunch or knot of white ribbons or white flowers worn at a wedding.
Wear thou this favor for me, and stick it in thy cap.
Favor
Appearance; look; countenance; face.
This boy is fair, of female favor.
Favor
Partiality; bias.
Favor
A letter or epistle; - so called in civility or compliment; as, your favor of yesterday is received.
Favor
Love locks.
But, with your favor, I will treat it here.
Favor
To regard with kindness; to support; to aid, or to have the disposition to aid, or to wish success to; to be propitious to; to treat with consideration or tenderness; to show partiality or unfair bias towards.
O happy youth! and favored of the skies.
He that favoreth Joab, . . . let him go after Joab.
[The painter] has favored her squint admirably.
Favor
To afford advantages for success to; to facilitate; as, a weak place favored the entrance of the enemy.
Favor
To resemble in features; to have the aspect or looks of; as, the child favors his father.
The porter owned that the gentleman favored his master.
Favor
An act of gracious kindness
Favor
An advantage to the benefit of someone or something;
The outcome was in his favor
Favor
An inclination to approve;
That style is in favor this season
Favor
A feeling of favorable regard
Favor
Souvenir consisting of a small gift given to a guest at a party
Favor
Promote over another;
He favors his second daughter
Favor
Consider as the favorite;
The local team was favored
Favor
Treat gently or carefully
Favor
Bestow a privilege upon
FAQs
Is "Favour" a valid spelling in American English?
"Favour" is the British English spelling; in American English, it's typically spelled "Favor."
Can "Flavour" describe something other than food?
Yes, "Flavour" can metaphorically describe a particular quality or characteristic of an event or situation.
How can "Favor" indicate bias?
"Favor" can mean showing preferential treatment or bias towards someone or something.
What does "Flavour" primarily refer to?
"Flavour" primarily denotes the distinctive taste of food or drink.
What sensation is most associated with "Flavour"?
The sense of taste.
Can "Flavour" refer to a version or variety of a product?
Yes, especially in the context of food and beverages, like a new flavour of soda.
Can you "ask for a Favor"?
Yes, it means to request someone's assistance or kindness.
Can "Favor" mean a small gift?
Yes, "Favor" can refer to a small gift or token, often given at parties or weddings.
In what contexts is "Favor" commonly used as a verb?
"Favor" as a verb can mean to support, approve of, or prefer something.
Can "Favor" be used in legal contexts?
Yes, as in "in favor of," meaning to support or approve a motion or decision.
How do "Flavour" and "Taste" differ?
"Flavour" encompasses the broader sensory experience, including aroma, while "Taste" refers more directly to the sensation on the tongue.
Is there a verb form of "Flavour"?
Yes, "to flavour" means to impart a specific taste to something.
Are there other words related to "Flavour" for other senses?
Yes, like "fragrance" for smell and "texture" for touch.
Does "Favor" always indicate a positive action?
Mostly, but when referring to bias, it can have negative connotations, especially if the bias is unfair.
Can "Flavour" be used in music contexts?
Metaphorically, yes, to describe a specific quality, style, or vibe of a piece.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
