approve

ap·prove

verb \ə-ˈprüv\

ap·provedap·prov·ing

Definition of APPROVE

transitive verb

1

obsolete : prove, attest

2

: to have or express a favorable opinion of <couldn't approve such conduct>

3

a : to accept as satisfactory <hopes she will approve the date of the meeting> b : to give formal or official sanction to : ratify <Congress approved the proposed budget>

intransitive verb

: to take a favorable view <doesn't approve of fighting>

— ap·prov·ing·ly \-ˈprü-viŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of APPROVE

1. I don't care if all the other parents are letting their kids do it; I still don't approve.
2. The state has approved the building plans, so work on the new school can begin immediately.
3. Your supervisor must approve the report before it can be sent.

Origin of APPROVE

Middle English, from Anglo-French apruer, approver, from Latin approbare, from ad- + probare to prove — more at prove

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to APPROVE

Synonyms: accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, homologate, OK (or okay), ratify, sanction, warrant

Antonyms: decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto

Related Words: accept, acknowledge, affirm; certify, endorse (also indorse), validate; bless, canonize, sanctify; initial, rubber-stamp, sign, sign off (on); allow, enable, legalize, license (also licence), pass, permit; reapprove

Near Antonyms: ban, enjoin, forbid, illegalize, interdict, prohibit, proscribe; disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook; rebuff, rebut, refuse, spurn

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Synonym Discussion of APPROVE

approve, endorse, sanction, accredit, certify mean to have or express a favorable opinion of. approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration <the parents approve of the marriage>. endorse suggests an explicit statement of support <publicly endorsed her for Senator>. sanction implies both approval and authorization <the President sanctioned covert operations>. accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards <the board voted to accredit the college> <must be certified to teach>.

Rhymes with APPROVE

behoove, commove, disprove, improve, remove, reprove