Unfortunately, many words are forgotten, used in colloquial speech less and less, and, in the end, disappear forever. In everyday speech, they sound unusual and unusual for a modern listener. To use them in the right context, you need to know their meaning. The outdated, but interesting word “favor” will be discussed in the article.
Meaning of the verb “favor”
The word means - "to treat something or someone kindly." For example, “he favors me” and “he favors me”, which means “he treats me well” (both the first and second forms with the pretext are true).
But if it is a question of fate, then it is more correct to use an expression with a pretext, that is, "fate favors me."
The second meaning of the concept is found in literary works of the 19th century, sometimes in oral speech - it is "to show mercy." For example, Saltykov-Shchedrin meets the phrase “the authorities are pleased to call on him”, in which “favors” is used in the meaning “shows mercy”. But in modern speech this meaning is not used and is obsolete.
Definition of the word
In the dictionaries the following definitions are given:
- In S. Ozhegov’s dictionary “to favor” is to show favor to the subordinate. It is appropriate to use it as a sign of a polite request, for example: "Please sit down!"
- In the dictionary of D. Ushakov, N. — show affection for something, goodwill.
- In the dictionary of Efremova T. E. - “to favor” is to be supportive and benevolent towards someone.
- In the synonym dictionary of N. Abramov, the following meanings are given: to indulge, assent, indulge, indulge, well-wishing, patronize, indulge, allow, relax, allow, condescend, indulge.
God helps the brave
There is a Latin proverb - “Fortune favors the brave,” or it is also translated as “Fortune helps the brave.” This statement is found in ancient classics. For example, the Latin poet Claudian believes that its author is the Greek poet Simonides (5th century BC).
This saying has undergone modifications and in the Russian version it sounds like this: "God helps the bold." It also has a similar meaning in Schiller's "William Tell": "God helps the brave."