Approve
v.capable, hopefulprofessional
Meaning 1
To accept or formally authorize a proposal, request, or action.
Reach for it when describing a decision that grants permission or effect
The safety board will approve the route once every check passes.
Choose between these
4- everyday
the proposal meets requirements and can move forward
not when Acceptance may be reluctant and can occur without formal approval.
- professional
authorize
an authority grants permission to proceed
not when Authorization grants permission but reveals no admiration for the proposal.
- formal
ratify
a prior agreement needs final formal confirmation
not when Ratify is limited to treaties, decisions, and agreements already made.
- formal
sanction
official permission is the precise legal act
not when Sanction is ambiguous because it can also mean a penalty.
Meaning 2
To hold or express a favorable opinion of someone or something.
Reach for it when stating positive judgment without implying formal authority
Her mentors approve of the careful way she documents uncertainty.
Choose between these
4- warm
ongoing backing matters more than one favorable opinion
not when Support can continue despite reservations and need not mean approval.
- professional
active public backing is the intended judgment
not when Endorsement is stronger and more promotional than simply approving.
- formal
specific merit deserves expressed praise
not when Commending goes beyond approval and should name the praiseworthy act.
- formal
preference for one option is the key fact
not when Favor compares alternatives and does not necessarily praise intrinsic quality.
Said against
4- reject
- veto
- disapprove
- condemn
It naturally appears in
4- approve the plan
The board can approve the plan after the fire review.
- approve an application
Two independent reviewers must approve an application.
- approve of the decision
Most residents approve of the decision to retain the old trees.
- strongly approve
The mentors strongly approve of her careful documentation.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English verb sense: to accept as satisfactory or officially authorize opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, English verb sense: to regard favorably opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.