Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/əˈpruːv/

Definitions

• To officially accept, confirm, or endorse something or someone.
• To give permission or consent for something to proceed.
• To regard or consider something as satisfactory or appropriate.
• To express positive judgment about something.

Usage Examples

• The committee will approve the proposal tomorrow.
• The manager approved the budget for next year.
• She approved of his decision to go ahead with the project.

Etymology

The verb "approve" comes from the Old French "aprover," derived from the Latin "approbare," meaning "to approve" or "to confirm as satisfactory." The word evolved through Middle English and has been in use since the 14th century, indicating official or formal consent.

Synonyms

• Accept
• Endorse
• Sanction
• Authorize
• Agree

Antonyms

• Reject
• Disapprove
• Refuse
• Oppose
• Deny

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "approve" can vary slightly based on regional accents. For example, in American English, the "r" sound is pronounced more strongly, while in British English, the "r" is often softened or not pronounced at all in some accents.

Historical Usage

The verb "approve" has been in use since the 14th century, stemming from the Old French word "aprover," which came from the Latin "approbare." Initially, it referred to confirming or endorsing something positively, especially in legal or formal contexts. Over time, its usage expanded to include general agreement or consent in a variety of fields.

Cultural Nuances

Approval is a key concept in many cultures, often symbolizing trust, authority, or validation. In some cultures, the approval of elders or leaders is highly significant and may be required before decisions or actions are considered valid. The act of approving something can also be tied to social expectations, where individuals or actions must meet cultural norms to gain approval.

More Information

To approve something is to officially recognize it as acceptable, often after careful consideration or review. In a legal or professional context, approval is necessary for actions such as contracts, financial agreements, and proposals to proceed. Socially, approval is also an essential part of relationships and communities, where people often seek validation or permission from others before taking major steps in their lives.