Favorably vs. Favourably — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
"Favorably" is the American English spelling used to describe something done in a supportive or approving manner, while "favourably" is the British English variant.
Difference Between Favorably and Favourably
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Favorably" is commonly used in American English to express approval or support in various contexts, while "favourably" is used in the same way but follows British English spelling conventions. Both terms carry the same pronunciation and meaning, differing only in regional spelling preferences.
In writing, American documents and publications use "favorably," maintaining consistency with American English orthography that often omits the letter 'u' in words like "color" and "honor," whereas British English retains the 'u' in equivalent terms such as "favourably," similar to "colour" and "honour."
The choice between "favorably" and "favourably" can influence the perceived audience of a text. American audiences may view "favorably" as more familiar and standard, while "favourably" might be preferred in texts aimed at British readers or in international contexts where British English is the norm.
When using software with spell-checking capabilities, the selection of language settings (American or British English) will determine whether "favorably" or "favourably" is flagged as incorrect. This is an important consideration for writers and editors to ensure consistency with their target demographic.
Regardless of spelling, the adverbial form of both "favorably" and "favourably" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating a positive or advantageous manner, which is essential for clear communication in both American and British English contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
No 'u' after the 'o'
Includes 'u' after the 'o'
Usage Region
American English
British English
Pronunciation
/ˈfeɪ.vər.ə.bli/
/ˈfeɪ.vər.ə.bli/
Example Context
Used in American publications
Used in UK publications
Associated with
American orthography
British orthography
Compare with Definitions
Favorably
With favor.
The judge looked favorably on the defendant’s plea.
Favourably
In a way that shows approval or support.
The proposal was received favourably by the board.
Favorably
Positively.
His performance was reviewed favorably.
Favourably
Positively.
Her work was evaluated favourably.
Favorably
Beneficially.
The weather conditions changed favorably for the picnic.
Favourably
With favour.
The judge looked favourably upon the new evidence.
Favorably
In a way that shows approval or support.
The proposal was received favorably by the committee.
Favourably
Advantageously.
The terms of the agreement were altered favourably for our team.
Favorably
Advantageously.
The terms of the agreement were changed favorably for our side.
Favourably
Beneficially.
The market trends shifted favourably for our products.
Favorably
Advantageous; helpful
Favorable winds.
Favourably
In a favourable manner.
She looked favourably on people who gave freely their assistance.
Favorably
Encouraging; propitious
A favorable diagnosis.
Favourably
Showing approval;
He reviewed the play favorably
Favorably
Manifesting approval; commendatory
A favorable report.
Favorably
Winning approval; pleasing
A favorable impression.
Favorably
Granting what has been desired or requested
A favorable reply.
Favorably
Indulgent or partial
Listened with a favorable ear.
Favorably
In a favorable manner.
She looked favorably on people who gave freely their assistance.
Favorably
Showing approval;
He reviewed the play favorably
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between "favorably" and "favourably"?
The main difference is spelling; "favorably" is American English, while "favourably" is British English.
Can "favorably" and "favourably" be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably in terms of meaning, but the choice of spelling should consider the intended audience.
Why does American English prefer "favorably"?
American English often omits the 'u' in words to simplify the spelling compared to British English.
What part of speech is "favorably" and "favourably"?
Both are adverbs.
How do "favorably" and "favourably" modify sentences?
They modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express a positive aspect.
Are "favorably" and "favourably" considered formal or informal language?
Both are considered formal and are suitable for business and academic contexts.
Is the pronunciation of "favorably" and "favourably" different?
No, both words are pronounced the same way.
Can the use of "favorably" vs. "favourably" affect the tone of my writing?
Subtly, as the choice of American vs. British spelling might align more closely with the expectations of certain readers.
Does the choice between "favorably" and "favourably" matter in emails?
In formal or professional emails, especially to international colleagues, it is best to choose the spelling consistent with the recipient’s region.
What settings should I use on my word processor to avoid spelling errors with these words?
Set your language preference to either American or British English depending on your target audience.
Are there any synonyms for "favorably" and "favourably"?
Yes, synonyms include positively, well, advantageously, and beneficially.
In which contexts might "favorably" be inappropriate?
"Favorably" might be inappropriate in documents intended for primarily British audiences.
What is the origin of the difference in spelling between American and British English like in "favorably" vs. "favourably"?
The difference originated from early 18th-century spelling reforms in American English, which aimed to simplify certain British spellings.
What other words in English have similar regional spelling variations?
Other words include "color/colour", "honor/honour", and "labor/labour".
How should I choose which spelling to use in academic writing?
Choose based on the preferred style guide or standards of the institution for which you are writing.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
