approve
/ə'pru:v/
Definition
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.
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.
Verb
-
judge to be right or commendable; think well of
-
give sanction to
-
I approve of his educational policies
-
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