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View synonyms for

approve

[ uh-proov ]

verb (used with object)

approved, approving.
  1. to speak or think favorably of; pronounce or consider agreeable or good; judge favorably:

    to approve the policies of the administration.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. to consent or agree to:

    Father approved our plan to visit Chicago.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms: , , , , ,

  3. to confirm or sanction formally; ratify:

    The Senate promptly approved the bill.

    Synonyms: , , , ,

    Antonyms: , , , , ,

  4. Obsolete.
    1. to demonstrate; show.
    2. to make good; attest.
    3. to prove by trial.
    4. to convict.

verb (used without object)

approved, approving.
  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

/ əˈː /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

approve

2

/ əˈː /

verb

  1. tr law to improve or increase the value of (waste or common land), as by enclosure
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈDZԲ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • ·DZ·· adverb
  • ·DZ··Ա noun
  • ·DZ·Բ· adverb
  • ԴDz··DZ adjective
  • ··DZ verb preapproved preapproving
  • ··DZ verb reapproved reapproving
  • -·DZ adjective
  • -·DZ·Բ adjective
  • ܲ··DZ adjective
  • ܲ··DZ·Բ adjective
  • un··DZ·Բ· adverb
  • ɱ-·DZ adjective
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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 Dz, equivalent to ap- ap- 1 + Dz “t prove ”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of approve1

C14: from Old French aprover, from Latin apDz to approve, from Dz to test, prove

Origin of approve2

C15: from Old French approuer to turn to advantage, from prou advantage
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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.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Federal Communications Commission must approve the transfer of CBS television station licenses to the Ellison family.

From

The Scottish government, which is considering whether to approve the project, says it cannot comment on live applications.

From

Even among those who did approve, many were concerned about his relationship with President Donald Trump’s administration.

From

BBC Africa Eye's Blood Parliament documentary revealed how security forces brutally responded to youthful protesters who breached Kenya's parliament on 25 June 2024, the day lawmakers voted to approve the proposed tax hikes.

From

Beyond the economy, a new Pew Research Center survey finds that only 40 percent of Americans approve of Trump's overall performance as president.

From

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Related Words

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approvalapproved school

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