Pronunciation

/apprəv/

Definitions

• Verb: (1) To give formal consent or approval; to consider as satisfactory or acceptable. (2) To show agreement or support for a plan, idea, or action. (3) To pass judgment on the quality or worth of something.

Phrases

• “Approve a proposal” means to officially accept or sanction a suggestion or plan.
• “I need your approval for this” signifies seeking permission or consent.
• “She approved of their decision” indicates agreement or endorsement.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “The board approved the new budget proposal.”
• “Please approve my vacation request.”
• “The project was approved with minor modifications.”

Synonyms

• Approve (informal): Endorse, sanction, ratify, authorize, agree, concur, okay, sanction
• Disapprove: Reject, object, oppose, veto, deny, disallow
• Validate: Confirm, authenticate, endorse, recognize

Antonyms

• Disapprove, reject, deny, oppose

Usage Notes

• The verb “approve” can be followed by a suggestion, a person, or a piece of work, depending on the context.
• It can also be used transitively, taking a direct object, or intransitively, without an object when expressing general agreement or consent.