approve

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verb ap·prove \ə-ˈprüv\

Definition of approve

approved

;

approving

transitive verb
1 : to have or express a favorable opinion of couldn't approve such conduct
2a : to accept as satisfactory hopes she will approve the date of the meetingb : to give formal or official sanction (see ¹sanction 4c) to : ratify Congress approved the proposed budget.
3 obsolete : prove, attest
intransitive verb
: to take a favorable view doesn't approve of fighting

See approve defined for English-language learners

See approve defined for kids

Examples of approve in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of approve

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

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

APPROVE Defined for English Language Learners

approve

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verb

Definition of approve for English Language Learners

: to believe that something or someone is good or acceptable
: to officially accept (an idea, action, plan, etc.)

APPROVE Defined for Kids

approve

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verb ap·prove \ə-ˈprüv\

Definition of approve for Students

approved

;

approving

1 : to think of as good I don't approve of the way those children behave.
2 : to accept as satisfactory The school committee approved the new curriculum.