approve

/ə'pru:v/

Thân thiện

The committee will approve the new playground design.

Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To officially agree to or accept something as satisfactory, often after consideration. This involves giving formal permission or authorization.
   • To have a favorable opinion of someone or something; to regard as good, right, or commendable.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • Used with the preposition "of": To think or speak favorably about someone or something; to express support or agreement.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Transitive):
  • The committee must approve the budget before any funds are spent.
  • The board approved her promotion unanimously.
• Verb (Intransitive with "of"):
  • I don't approve of students using phones in class.
  • Her parents approve of her new boyfriend.

Advanced Usage

• "To approve something" vs. "To approve of something": The transitive use often implies formal, official consent (e.g., a manager approves a request). The intransitive use with "of" typically expresses personal agreement or moral support (e.g., I approve of your decision).
  • The city council approved the new building plans. (Official action)
  • Do you approve of the new building plans? (Asking for personal opinion)

Variants and Related Words

• Approval (n): The act of approving; formal consent or favorable opinion.
  • The project cannot start without the director's approval.
• Approving (adj): Showing or feeling approval.
  • She gave him an approving smile.
• Approved (adj): Officially agreed upon or authorized.
  • Only use approved materials for the construction.

Synonyms

• Endorse: To declare one's public support or approval.
• Sanction: To give official permission or approval for an action.
• Ratify: To give formal consent, making something officially valid (often used for treaties, laws).
• Approve of: Agree with, support, favor.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Approve of: This is the standard intransitive phrasal verb, as shown in the definitions and examples above.

Related Idioms

• Give the nod (to) / Give one's nod of approval: To indicate approval or permission, often informally.
  • The boss finally gave the nod to our proposal.
• Rubber-stamp: To approve something automatically or without proper consideration.
  • The committee shouldn't just rubber-stamp every application; they need to review them carefully.

Học thuật

Verb

1. judge to be right or commendable; think well of
2. give sanction to
   • I approve of his educational policies

Từ đồng nghĩa

• O.K.
• okay
• sanction