Table of Contents
Quick Answer
The fastest way to know which spelling to use.
The difference between favor and favour comes down entirely to geography.
If you are writing for an audience in the United States, the correct spelling is favor. If you are writing for an audience in the United Kingdom, Australia, or Canada, the correct spelling is favour.
Both words mean exactly the same thing: approval, support, or an act of kindness. Neither spelling is grammatically incorrect, but using the wrong one for your target region can look out of place.
Favour vs Favor at a Glance
A side-by-side breakdown of the key differences.
| Feature | Airplane (US) | Aeroplane (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Region | United States | United Kingdom / Commonwealth |
| Spelling | F-A-V-O-R | F-A-V-O-U-R |
| Syllable Count | 2 (FAY-ver) | 2 (FAY-ver) |
| Origin | Latin root (favor) | Old French (favour) |
| Meaning | Approval / Kindness | Approval / Kindness |
American English: Favor
How the word is used in the United States.
In the United States, "favor" is the universally accepted spelling. It is used by the US government, major corporations, newspapers, and everyday speakers. The spelling drops the letter "u" entirely, favoring a more streamlined approach that aligns with its Latin roots.
Government & Law
Phrases like 'currying favor' or 'finding favor with' rely on the 'u'-less spelling in American legal and political contexts.
Media and Publishing
Major publications like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal strictly adhere to the 'favor' spelling.
British English: Favour
How the word is used in the United Kingdom.
In the United Kingdom, "favour" is the traditional and standard spelling. It retains the "u" from its Old French roots, matching other British spellings like "colour" and "flavour." While modern business communication might sometimes see American spellings creep in, "favour" remains the undisputed standard in British English.
Cultural Presence
The spelling is common in everyday British culture, seen in phrases like 'doing a favour' or 'favouring one side'.
Modern Usage
Though informal texts might use abbreviations, formal British writing relies on 'favour' rather than the American adaptation.
What Do Both Words Mean?
The definition remains exactly the same.
Despite the spelling difference, both "favor" and "favour" mean exactly the same thing. They function as both a noun (meaning approval, support, or a kind act) and a verb (meaning to approve of, prefer, or treat someone with disproportionate kindness).
Core Definition
An act of kindness beyond what is due or usual, or a feeling of approval.
Verb Form
To prefer or show partiality toward something or someone over another.
American English Usage
How Americans naturally use the word today.
In the US, "favor" is used in almost every context, from casual conversation to legal documents. It applies to both the noun and verb forms interchangeably.
Casual Conversation
"Can you do me a favor and drop this off?"
Technical Writing
"The judge decided to favor the plaintiff's motion."
Social Contexts
"She will favor the proposal at tomorrow's meeting."
Business Industry
"The company returned the favor by investing locally."
British English Usage
How Britons naturally use the word today.
In the UK, "favour" holds its ground in literature, formal writing, and everyday life. Whether asking a friend for help or discussing political preferences, the 'u' is retained.
Literature and Media
"The newspaper decided to favour the incumbent candidate in its editorial."
Everyday Conversation
"Could you do me a massive favour and watch my dog?"
Hobbyist Contexts
"He tends to favour classical music over modern pop."
News and Journalism
"The government policy found favour among the working class."
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Deciding based on your audience.
The decision is entirely context-driven. If you are writing an email to an American colleague, use "favor." If you are writing a postcard from London to your friends back in Britain, use "favour."
Choose "Favor" if:
You are writing for a US-based publisher, studying at an American school, or creating content primarily for an American audience.
Choose "Favour" if:
You are submitting to a UK journal, writing for a British audience, or following Commonwealth English standards.
Formal and Professional Writing
What to do in business and academic contexts.
In highly formal writing, it is crucial to match the regional standard of your target publication. Unlike some words that have a universally accepted alternative, there is no 'neutral' spelling for this word—you must choose between the US and UK versions.
Business Contracts
International contracts often specify a governing law; use the spelling appropriate to that jurisdiction (e.g., US spelling for New York law).
Academic Research
Scientific papers should align with the spelling standard of the journal, whether American or British.
Pronunciation
The spelling change does not affect how the word is spoken.
Despite the spelling difference, the pronunciation remains exactly the same in both American and British English. The 'u' in the British spelling is silent.
| Word | IPA | Syllables |
|---|---|---|
| Airplane (US) | /ˈfeɪvər/ | 2 (FAY-ver) |
| Aeroplane (UK) | /ˈfeɪvər/ | 2 (FAY-ver) |
Because the 'o' and 'u' combine to form a single schwa sound (or a similar 'er' sound in rhotic American English), both words share the exact same two-syllable pronunciation.
Spelling Difference
A visual breakdown of the letters.
The core difference is the presence of the letter "u" after the "o."
The American version simply drops the "u" entirely. The British version retains the "u," which is a remnant of the word's Old French origins, keeping it consistent with words like 'colour' and 'honour'.
Why Are the Spellings Different?
The history behind the transatlantic split.
1. The Old French Roots
The word entered Middle English from Old French as 'favour'. The 'u' was a standard part of the spelling, adapted from the Latin root 'favor', though the French modified it with the 'u'.
2. Noah Webster's Reform
In the early 1800s, American lexicographer Noah Webster wanted to create a distinctly American version of English. He believed spellings should be simpler, more phonetic, and free of unnecessary silent letters. He dropped the 'u' in words like 'favour', 'colour', and 'honour', reverting them closer to their Latin roots.
3. The American Standard
By dropping the 'u', Americans turned a French-influenced spelling into a clean, streamlined word. While Britain kept the 'u', the American 'favor' became the undisputed standard in the United States.
Synonyms, Antonyms & Rhyming Words
Words related to, opposite of, and sounding like favor/favour.
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
Example Sentences
See how both words function in original sentences.
Here are 30 original sentences using the American spelling, "favor."
- Can you do me a favor and pass the salt?
- The judge decided to favor the plaintiff's argument.
- She asked her boss for a favor before the weekend.
- The current economic climate favors international investors.
- He returned the favor by helping her move her furniture.
- Please favor us with your presence at the annual gala.
- The weather is in our favor today.
- I favor the blue dress over the red one.
- The teacher showed favor to the top students.
- Could you do me a massive favor and feed my cat?
- The new policy disfavors employees who commute.
- She smiled, favoring her left side due to the toothache.
- The survey shows that most voters favor the new tax law.
- I owe you a favor for covering my shift yesterday.
- The bakery favored regular customers with free samples.
- Many environmentalists favor stricter regulations on emissions.
- He curried favor with the boss by working late every night.
- The outcome of the game favored the home team.
- Could you favor me with a quick response to my email?
- The committee favored the proposal over the alternatives.
- She did him a great favor by revealing the truth.
- The terrain favored the defending army.
- I'd really appreciate it if you could do me this favor.
- The critic's review favored the director's latest film.
- The politician tried to favor his hometown with federal funding.
- Are you in favor of the new working hours?
- The coach tended to favor the senior players during playoffs.
- Trading in your old car might work in your favor.
- The budget proposal heavily favors military spending.
- The odds are not in our favor.
Here are 30 original sentences using the British spelling, "favour."
- Can you do me a favour and pass the salt?
- The judge decided to favour the plaintiff's argument.
- She asked her boss for a favour before the weekend.
- The current economic climate favours international investors.
- He returned the favour by helping her move her furniture.
- Please favour us with your presence at the annual gala.
- The weather is in our favour today.
- I favour the blue dress over the red one.
- The teacher showed favour to the top students.
- Could you do me a massive favour and feed my cat?
- The new policy disfavours employees who commute.
- She smiled, favouring her left side due to the toothache.
- The survey shows that most voters favour the new tax law.
- I owe you a favour for covering my shift yesterday.
- The bakery favoured regular customers with free samples.
- Many environmentalists favour stricter regulations on emissions.
- He curried favour with the boss by working late every night.
- The outcome of the game favoured the home team.
- Could you favour me with a quick response to my email?
- The committee favoured the proposal over the alternatives.
- She did him a great favour by revealing the truth.
- The terrain favoured the defending army.
- I'd really appreciate it if you could do me this favour.
- The critic's review favoured the director's latest film.
- The politician tried to favour his hometown with federal funding.
- Are you in favour of the new working hours?
- The coach tended to favour the senior players during playoffs.
- Trading in your old car might work in your favour.
- The budget proposal heavily favours military spending.
- The odds are not in our favour.
Favor in US English
Specific contexts, industry standards, and cultural data for the American spelling.
In the United States, "favor" is not just the linguistic standard; it is the legal and social standard. American institutions, legal frameworks, and pop culture creators exclusively use this 'u'-less spelling.
Legal & Regulatory Definition
In American jurisprudence, 'favor' is used in the phrase 'currying favor' (meaning to seek preferential treatment) and in legal standards regarding 'favorable' rulings.
Business & Corporate
American corporate giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google use 'favor' in their software interfaces (e.g., favoriting a tweet or favoring an item).
Pop Culture & Media
The spelling is cemented in American digital culture. The star icon on Twitter was originally labeled 'Favorite' before being changed to 'Like', but the American spelling remains ubiquitous in UI/UX design.
Common American Phrases
• Favor: A helping hand.
• In favor of: Supporting a proposal.
• Curry favor: To ingratiate oneself.
• Favorable: Expressing approval.
Favour in UK English
Specific contexts, industry standards, and cultural data for the British spelling.
In the UK, "favour" is the traditional, formal, and cultural standard. While the Civil Aviation Authority might use standard British terminology, "favour" remains the definitive spelling in British literature, media, and daily life.
Legal & Regulatory Usage
In UK law and parliamentary procedure, 'favour' is used in motions and votes, such as 'The ayes have it in favour.'
Media & Publications
British broadsheets like The Times and The Guardian strictly adhere to the 'favour' spelling in their style guides.
Cultural & Literary Usage
The word appears frequently in British literature and everyday idioms, such as 'finding favour' or 'doing a favour.'
Common British Phrases
• Favour: An act of kindness.
• In favour of: Supporting something.
• Out of favour: Disliked or unsupported.
• Favourable: Giving approval.
Related Approval & Support Vocabulary
Other words related to favoring and approval.
| US English | UK English | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite | Favourite | Preferred over others. |
| Favorable | Favourable | Expressing approval or advantageous. |
| Favored | Favoured | Preferred or shown special treatment. |
| Unfavorable | Unfavourable | Expressing disapproval or contrary. |
Other US–UK Spelling Differences
More words that change when you cross the pond.
Color vs. Colour
The 'u' is dropped in American spelling, just like in favor/favour.
Honor vs. Honour
Another word sharing the exact same '-or' vs '-our' split.
Labor vs. Labour
The American spelling streamlines the word by dropping the 'u'.
Behavior vs. Behaviour
Consistent with the 'u' rule in both regions.
Common Mistakes
Frequent errors writers make with these spellings.
Mixing spellings within the same document.
✓ Pick one regional standard and stick to it.
Why: Writing 'I favor your idea, but it is a lovely colour' breaks the consistency of your text.
Using 'favour' in an American academic paper.
✓ Use 'favor' for US-based journals and schools.
Why: American professors and publishers expect standard American English. Using the British spelling looks like a typo in this context.
Adding a 'u' to 'favorable' in US writing.
✓ Always use 'favorable' in American English.
Why: The adjective form retains the same regional spelling rule as the root word.
Using 'favor' for a British children's book.
✓ Use 'favour' for UK audiences.
Why: British publishers strictly enforce regional spelling standards, especially in educational materials for kids.
Mispronouncing 'favour' as 'fay-voh-ur'.
✓ Pronounce it 'FAY-ver'.
Why: The 'u' in the British spelling is silent and does not add a syllable.
Assuming 'favour' is outdated or archaic.
✓ Recognize it as the current, active British spelling.
Why: Some Americans assume it's an old-fashioned word, but it is entirely modern and standard in the UK today.
Using the abbreviation 'fav' for favour in formal writing.
✓ Use the full word 'favour/favor' in professional contexts.
Why: 'Fav' is a casual digital abbreviation and is inappropriate for essays or business emails.
Translating UI text like 'Favorites' to 'Favourites' incorrectly.
✓ Check the device's regional language setting.
Why: Interestingly, many UK interfaces do say 'Favourites,' but Americans use 'Favorites'. Be aware of tech terminology variances.
Forgetting that Canada usually aligns with the UK for this word.
✓ Use 'favour' for Canadian audiences.
Why: Despite geographic proximity to the US, Canadian English retains the British 'u' in words like favour, colour, and honour.
Confusing 'favor' (approval) with 'flavor' (taste).
✓ Keep 'favor' and 'flavor' separate.
Why: While they share the same '-or'/'-our' spelling rule, they have entirely different meanings.
Writing for an International Audience
How to handle the split when writing globally.
If you are writing a blog, book, or manual for a global audience, you must pick a primary English standard. Most international organizations choose either US or UK English as their default and stick to it.
Pro Tip: Because American media dominates globally, many ESL learners are more familiar with 'favor'. However, if your organization is based in Europe, Canada, or the Commonwealth, 'favour' is the expected standard.
Memory Tip
An easy way to remember which spelling belongs to which country.
If you struggle to remember the difference, use this simple association trick:
Think of the letter 'u'. The British spelling keeps the 'u' from its Old French roots, matching 'United' Kingdom. The American spelling simplifies it by dropping the 'u'.
🎮 Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Are 'favor' and 'favour' pronounced the same way?
Yes, they are pronounced exactly the same way: FAY-ver. The extra 'u' in the British spelling is silent and does not create an extra syllable.
Why does America use 'favor' instead of 'favour'?
In the early 19th century, American lexicographer Noah Webster sought to simplify American spelling to make it distinct from British English and more aligned with Latin roots. Dropping the 'u' in 'favour' to create 'favor' was part of this movement.
Is 'favour' ever used in the United States?
It is very rare in modern American English. You might occasionally see it in historical documents or old literature, but 'favor' is the undisputed standard in the US today.
What about Canada and Australia? Which spelling do they use?
Canada generally follows the British spelling ('favour'), keeping the 'u'. Australia and New Zealand also follow British English and use 'favour'.
Is 'favorite' an acceptable spelling for 'favourite'?
Yes, 'favorite' is the correct American spelling, while 'favourite' is the correct British spelling. The same regional rule applies to the adjective and noun forms.
Which spelling is older, 'favor' or 'favour'?
'Favour' is the older spelling, adapted from Old French. 'Favor' came later as an Americanized simplification that reverted closer to the original Latin root.
Should I use 'favor' or 'favour' in academic writing?
You should match the spelling to the regional standard of your audience or publisher. If you are writing for an American journal, use 'favor'. For a British or international European journal, 'favour' is preferred.
What is the root of the word 'favor'?
The word comes directly from the Latin word 'favor', meaning goodwill or support. The Old French adapted it to 'favour', adding the 'u'.
Are there other words that follow this '-or' vs '-our' pattern?
Yes, this is a very common pattern. Other examples include color/colour, honor/honour, labor/labour, and behavior/behaviour.
Which word is more commonly used globally today?
Because of the dominance of the American tech industry and Hollywood media, 'favor' is recognized globally. However, 'favour' remains the correct standard spelling in formal British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand English.
Quick Comparison
The final verdict on favour vs favor.
| Factor | Airplane | Aeroplane |
|---|---|---|
| Region | USA | UK / Canada |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| Safest Alternative | Support / Approval | Support / Approval |
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