Approbation is often distinguished from casual approval, as it implies a formal or official sanction, typically from an authoritative body. In modern usage, approbation can refer to both institutional approval (e.g., government or legal systems) and personal endorsement or admiration, particularly in the context of social and professional environments.
While approbation is often used in legal, academic, or formal settings, it has found its way into casual language as well, particularly when praising someone's work or behavior. The word continues to carry a weight of formality, making it suitable for contexts requiring an air of professionalism or official approval.