Main Entry: ap·prove

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈprüv\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ap·proved; ap·prov·ing

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

Date: 14th century

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

synonyms 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>.