approval

[ uh-proo-vuhl ]

noun

1. the act of approving; approbation.
2. formal permission or sanction.
3. Philately. one of a group of selected stamps sent by a dealer to a prospective customer for examination and either purchase or return.

approval

/ əˈpruːvəl /

noun

1. the act of approving
2. formal agreement; sanction
3. a favourable opinion; commendation
4. on approval
   (of articles for sale) for examination with an option to buy or return

Other Words From

• nonap·proval noun
• preap·proval noun
• proap·proval adjective
• reap·proval noun
• self-ap·proval noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of approval¹

First recorded in 1680–90; approve + -al ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on approval, without obligation to buy unless satisfactory to the customer upon trial or examination and, otherwise, returnable:

   We ship merchandise on approval.

More idioms and phrases containing approval

see on approval ; seal of approval .

Example Sentences

The review made a number of recommendations including advising all departments to produce exception approval forms explaining why it would not be appropriate to run a fair and open recruitment process.

From BBC

The approval from Washington is seen as an attempt to slow down Russian troops, who have been steadily advancing into Ukraine's east in recent months.

From BBC

In fact, lawmakers passed and the governor signed legislation to do away with the work requirement this year, but it was contingent on voter approval of Proposition 6.

From Los Angeles Times

“Living medicines don’t fit neatly into the FDA’s approval pathway,” Zeldovich explains.

From Salon

The vote was 5 to 2 against approval, effectively killing the project.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blessing
• confirmation
• consent
• endorsement
• go ahead
• green light
• license
• mandate
• permission
• ratification
• recommendation
• sanction
• support