ap·prove ( -pr v )v. ap·proved, ap·prov·ing, ap·proves v.tr.1. To consider right or good; think or speak favorably of. 2. To consent to officially or formally; confirm or sanction: The Senate approved the treaty. 3. Obsolete To prove or attest. v.intr. To show, feel, or express approval: didn't approve of the decision.
[Middle English approven, from Old French aprover, from Latin approb re : ad-, ad- + prob re, to test (from probus, good; see per1 in Indo-European roots).]
ap·prov a·ble adj. ap·prov ing·ly adv. Synonyms: approve, endorse, sanction, certify, accredit, ratify These verbs mean to express a favorable opinion or to signify satisfaction or acceptance. Approve means to consider right or good, but it can also denote official consent: "The colonel or commanding officer approves the sentence of a regimental court-martial" Charles James. Endorse implies the public expression of support: The senator endorsed the candidate by issuing a press release. Sanction usually implies official authorization: The privilege of voting is a right sanctioned by law. Certify and accredit imply official approval based on compliance with requirements or standards: "The proper officers, comparing every article with its voucher, certified them to be right" Benjamin Franklin. The board of education will accredit only institutions that have a sufficiently rigorous curriculum. To ratify is to invest officially with legal authority: "Amendments . . . shall be valid . . . when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States" U.S. Constitution, Article V. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | approving - the formal act of approving; "he gave the project his blessing"; "his decision merited the approval of any sensible person"support - aiding the cause or policy or interests of; "the president no longer has the support of his own party"; "they developed a scheme of mutual support" | | Adj. | 1. | approving - expressing or manifesting praise or approval; "approbative criticism"; "an affirmative nod"favorable, favourable - encouraging or approving or pleasing; "a favorable reply"; "he received a favorable rating"; "listened with a favorable ear"; "made a favorable impression" |
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