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 verb1obsolete : prove, attest2: 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>.