verb

approve

uh-PROOV

verb

To officially agree to or accept something as satisfactory.

"The bank approved her loan application."

"The board approved the budget for next year."

To think well of something or someone; to be pleased with.

"Her parents didn't approve of her new job."

How to Use Approve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo officially say yes to something, or to feel that something is good or acceptable.

Common mistake

Used with "of" when talking about feelings ("approve of"), but not when talking about official sign-off ("approve the budget," not "approve of the budget").

Common pairings

approve of approve a request approve a plan

Word Forms

approved past tense, approven past tense, approved past tense, approve plural, approved plural, approves singular, approve singular, approved singular, approvest singular, approvedst singular, approveth singular, approves singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The bank _____ her loan application.

Etymology

From Old French aprover, from Latin approbare, from ad- + probare, "to test, prove good" — the same root as probe and probable.

Synonyms

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agree with approbate back support think much of

Antonyms

contradict disapprove oppose

Related Words

abandonment sanction down back spoil help front oppose

Rhymes for approve

love wove move cove hove Jove rove Dove above drove prove grove

See all rhymes for approve →

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