favent

Favent is a Latin verb form meaning “they favor” or “they support,” derived from the verb favēre, favēre, fāvī, fautum. It appears in Classical Latin as a present-tense form used to indicate endorsement or approval of a person, action, or policy.

Origin and form: Favent belongs to the second conjugation of Latin verbs around the root fav-, with the general sense of giving favor or support. The exact spelling and usage can vary by author and era; some grammars treat favent as a present indicative form in certain textual attestations, while others distinguish related forms such as faveant for the subjunctive. Orthographic variants may be found in inscriptions and manuscripts, reflecting regional or scribal practices.

Usage and examples: In Latin sentences, a subject would typically accompany the form to express who is showing approval. A typical sense is “they favor” or “they support,” often followed by a direct object or a clause indicating the object of favor. In poetry and inscriptions, favored spellings or metrical adjustments can influence the exact form seen in a given text. While favent is a legitimate reading in some sources, standard classical prose often uses other present forms like favet or faveant depending on tense and mood.

Significance: The form illustrates Latin’s rich system of mood and voice, as well as how authors varied spelling and form across genres. It also appears in discussions of Latin conjugation patterns and in scholarly editions that note manuscript variants.

See also: favēre; Latin conjugation; Latin present indicative; Latin inscriptions; Latin grammar.