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

obsolete : prove, attest

: to have or express a favorable opinion of <couldn't approve such conduct>

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

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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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to APPROVE

Synonyms: accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, homologate, OK (or okay), ratify, sanction, warrant

Antonyms: decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto

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>.