First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
approve
verb ap·prove \ə-ˈprüv\
: to believe that something or someone is good or acceptable
: to officially accept (an idea, action, plan, etc.)
ap·provedap·prov·ing
Full Definition of APPROVE
transitive verb
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
See approve defined for English-language learners
See approve defined for kids
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Origin of APPROVE
Middle English, from Anglo-French apruer, approver, from Latin approbare, from ad- + probare to prove — more at prove
Related to APPROVE
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 Kids
approve
verb ap·prove \ə-ˈprüv\
ap·provedap·prov·ing
Definition of APPROVE for Kids
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.>
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