approve
/əˈpruːv/to officially accept or agree to something, especially after considering it carefully
The government approved the new law.
The government officially accepted the new law.
She approved the design before printing.
She officially accepted the design before printing.
Often used in formal or official contexts, such as government, business, or legal settings.
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Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
'Approve' is often used in formal contexts. In informal speech, 'agree' or 'support' might be more common.
⚡Gold Rule
Transitive vs. Intransitive
'Approve' can be transitive (e.g., 'The committee approved the plan') or intransitive with 'of' (e.g., 'I approve of the plan').
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'approven,' from Old French 'aprover,' from Latin 'approbare' (to prove, approve), from 'ad-' (to) + 'probare' (to test, prove).
📝Usage Notes
Can be used as a transitive verb (requires an object) or intransitively with 'of' (e.g., 'I approve of this decision').