adv. [UN-1 11.] In an unfavorable manner: a. In respect of opinion, statement, etc.
1460. Paston Lett., Suppl. (1901), 63. Thei reporten you unfavorabely and withoute credence, as men seyn, and some I have herd.
1665. Glanvill, Scepsis Sci., xxiv. 146. The judicious Naturalist my Lord Bacon, speaks not unfavourably of this way of secret influence.
a. 1768. Secker, Serm. (1771), V. xv. 335. There hath been … something or another that should not have been; else so many would not have judged … so unfavourably.
1786. Mrs. Inchbald, I’ll tell you what, I. i. If this seeming indiscretion of mine, when compared with that of his son’s, shou’d be regarded so unfavorably as to make his offence appear lighter to my Uncle, and move him to forgiveness—I will contentedly support the burthen of his resentment.
1816. Scott, Old Mort., xv. If our summons is unfavourably received we will instantly attack.
1844. S. G. Goodrich, Hist. Indians N. & S. Amer., 206. The influence of Colonel Johnson operated unfavorably for the interest of the colonies.
1866. J. H. Newman, Lett. to Pusey, 86. That compromise of which our countrymen report so unfavourably from abroad.
b. In respect of circumstances, conditions, etc.
1833. Carlyle, Misc. (1840), IV. 337. A richly endowed, unfavourably situated nature.
1846. Mrs. A. Marsh, Father Darcy, II. ix. 151. His tones and gestures … contrasted unfavourably with the appearance either of Catesby or Winter.
1871. A. Meadows, Man. Midwifery (ed. 2), 230. I believe it … to compare very unfavourably with the death-rate of the supposed more formidable operation.
