favere

Favere is a Latin verb of the second conjugation meaning to favor, to support, or to be favorable to. It is commonly used with a dative object to indicate the recipient of the favor rather than a direct object. The principal parts are faveo, favēre, favi, fautum. In the present active indicative, forms include faveo, favēs, favet, favēmus, favētis, faveunt.

Etymology and English derivatives: Favere is the source of the Latin noun favor, as well as the English words favor or favour and related terms such as fauor (an older Latin noun meaning kindness or goodwill). The concept of favor encompasses benevolent support, patronage, or goodwill across civic, personal, and political contexts.

Usage and nuance: In classical Latin, favere expresses positive regard or support toward a person, group, or undertaking. It routinely governs a dative: for example, mīhi favēt means “it favors me” or “he favors me,” and amico favēt means “he favors his friend.” The sense can extend to political or social backing, such as supporting a cause or patron. Although passive forms exist, they are uncommon in classical prose, where the active sense is predominant.

See also: Latin verbs of courtly or political backing; the noun favor/favour in Latin and its influence on English vocabulary.