approve

[ uh-proov ]

verb (used with object)

, ap·proved, ap·prov·ing.

1. to speak or think favorably of; pronounce or consider agreeable or good; judge favorably:

   to approve the policies of the administration.

   Synonyms: esteem, appreciate

2. to consent or agree to:

   Father approved our plan to visit Chicago.

   Synonyms: permit, allow

   Antonyms: deny, veto, prohibit, outlaw, interdict, disallow

3. to confirm or sanction formally; ratify:

   The Senate promptly approved the bill.

   Synonyms: validate, sanction, endorse, confirm, authorize

   Antonyms: veto, prohibit, outlaw, interdict, disallow, deny

4. Obsolete.
   1. to demonstrate; show.
   2. to make good; attest.
   3. to prove by trial.
   4. to convict.

verb (used without object)

, ap·proved, ap·prov·ing.

1. to speak or consider favorably (sometimes followed by of: )

   Mother didn't approve of him.

   The boss wouldn't approve of the plan.

   He said that he approved.

approve

¹

/ əˈpruːv /

verb

1. tr law to improve or increase the value of (waste or common land), as by enclosure

approve

²

/ əˈpruːv /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by of to consider fair, good, or right; commend (a person or thing)
2. tr to authorize or sanction
3. obsolete.
   tr to demonstrate or prove by trial

Derived Forms

• apˈprovingly, adverb

Other Words From

• ap·prov·ed·ly adverb
• ap·prov·ed·ness noun
• ap·prov·ing·ly adverb
• non·ap·proved adjective
• pre·ap·prov verb preapproved preapproving
• re·ap·prove verb reapproved reapproving
• self-ap·proved adjective
• self-ap·prov·ing adjective
• un·ap·proved adjective
• un·ap·prov·ing adjective
• un·ap·prov·ing·ly adverb
• well-ap·proved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of approve¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English a(p)proven, from Anglo-French, Old French aprover, from Latin approbāre, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ + probāre “to prove ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of approve¹

C15: from Old French approuer to turn to advantage, from prou advantage

Origin of approve²

C14: from Old French aprover, from Latin approbāre to approve, from probāre to test, prove

Synonym Study

Approve, commend, praise mean to have, and usually to express, a favorable opinion. To approve is to have a very good opinion, expressed or not, of someone or something: He approved the new plan. To commend is to speak or write approvingly, often formally and publicly, to congratulate or honor for something done: to commend a worker for a job well done. To praise is to speak or write, often in glowing and emotional terms, about one or more persons, actions, plans, etc.: to praise someone's courage.

Example Sentences

The commission must approve exception appointments at the most senior grade, but below this level departments have a free hand to recruit.

From BBC

In the end, the committee voted 4 to 0 to approve a recommendation from the City Planning Commission that largely leaves single family zones alone.

From Los Angeles Times

In the same meeting, the county approved its own homeless camping ban, introduced by Brandau.

From Los Angeles Times

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, setting out new conditions under which the country would consider using its arsenal.

From BBC

Voters approved a measure to reverse progressive criminal reform and were positioned to reject propositions that hike the minimum wage and end forced prison labor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accept
• advocate
• agree
• authorize
• back
• certify
• confirm
• endorse
• establish
• license
• okay
• permit
• push for
• ratify
• recommend
• sanction
• sign
• support
• uphold