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

While players are not allowed to socialize in each other’s hotel rooms, they are still allowed to mingle in team-approved social lounges.

From Washington Post

It could also be argued that the municipal code language, approved in 1974, sets a more subjective standard of what constitutes a violation during an emergency.

From Voice of San Diego

Some vaccines that have been approved, like the one for measles, have an immune correlate of protection identified, while others don’t.

From ProPublica

The Senate unanimously approved the legislation on Wednesday, and the House is expected to move quickly on the measure as well.

From Washington Post

He said the committee voted to approve and present the name Capital Stonewall Democrats, a “name that is both reflective of who we are as an organization and is also indicative of the community we serve,” Frazier told the Blade.

From Washington Blade

What they say is, ‘We don’t approve of violence, but you know what?

From The Daily Beast

The problem was that the FDA refused to approve any new ingredients for use in sunscreen, year after year.

From The Daily Beast

Ramone, who turned to religion while trying to kick drugs, would probably approve (and laugh a little, too).

From The Daily Beast

“The Commission did not instruct Mr. Wright to approve inaccurate wellbore completion reports,” according to the letter.

From The Daily Beast

When obeyed uncritically, it produces sentences like this: The board voted immediately to approve the casino.

From The Daily Beast

I have shown your account of your thrashing by steam, and Sir John Sinclair and Mr. —— very highly approve it.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't approve of women giving such broad hints to us men folk.

From Project Gutenberg

Those who approve of their polity countenance what is hostile to his government, and thus act as his enemies.

From Project Gutenberg

In reference to this, as well as to any other matter inculcated upon them, their consciences will either approve or condemn them.

From Project Gutenberg

She was a very nice girl; I wonder whether nurse would approve of her.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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