favourable

Helping you succeed or giving you an advantage.

• The weather was favourable for sailing.
• We bought the house on favourable terms.
• Are these conditions favourable for young plants?

How to use it: favourable for someone/something (These conditions are favourable for growing grapes.); favourable to someone/something (The new rules are favourable to small businesses.)

Similar words: helpful, beneficial, advantageous

Opposites: unfavourable, adverse

Common phrases: favourable conditions, favourable weather, favourable terms

Showing that someone approves of or supports a person, idea, or thing.

• The book received favourable reviews.
• Her teacher made several favourable comments.
• The committee's response to our proposal was favourable.

How to use it: favourable to someone/something (Public opinion was favourable to the proposal.)

Similar words: positive, approving, supportive

Opposites: unfavourable, critical

Common phrases: favourable review, favourable response, favourable comments

Likely to make people feel pleased or think well of someone or something.

• She made a favourable impression.
• His polite manner created a favourable image.
• The tidy entrance gave visitors a favourable first impression.

Similar words: pleasing, pleasant, appealing

Opposites: unfavourable

Common phrases: favourable impression, favourable image, favourable appearance

Happening at a time that is suitable for what you want to do.

• We waited for a favourable moment.
• Spring is a favourable time to plant these seeds.
• The break in the rain came at a favourable time.

How to use it: a favourable time to do something (This is a favourable time to discuss our plans.)

Similar words: suitable, convenient, opportune

Opposites: inopportune

Common phrases: favourable time, favourable moment, favourable opportunity

Suggesting that good luck or a happy result will follow.

• They took the rainbow as a favourable omen.
• She believed she was born under a favourable star.
• The traveller saw the clear dawn as a favourable sign.

Similar words: auspicious, lucky

Opposites: inauspicious, unlucky

Common phrases: favourable omen, favourable star, favourable sign