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Approve

v. capable, hopeful professional

What it means

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.

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.

Words to choose between 8

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
everyday
  • Approve (this word)
warm
professional
formal

Meaning 1: To accept or formally authorize a proposal, request, or action.

  • everyday

    accept

    Fits when the proposal meets requirements and can move forward

    Careful Acceptance may be reluctant and can occur without formal approval.

  • professional

    authorize

    Fits when an authority grants permission to proceed

    Careful Authorization grants permission but reveals no admiration for the proposal.

  • formal

    ratify

    Fits when a prior agreement needs final formal confirmation

    Careful Ratify is limited to treaties, decisions, and agreements already made.

  • formal

    sanction

    Fits when official permission is the precise legal act

    Careful Sanction is ambiguous because it can also mean a penalty.

Meaning 2: To hold or express a favorable opinion of someone or something.

  • warm

    support

    Fits when ongoing backing matters more than one favorable opinion

    Careful Support can continue despite reservations and need not mean approval.

  • professional

    endorse

    Fits when active public backing is the intended judgment

    Careful Endorsement is stronger and more promotional than simply approving.

  • formal

    commend

    Fits when specific merit deserves expressed praise

    Careful Commending goes beyond approval and should name the praiseworthy act.

  • formal

    favor

    Fits when preference for one option is the key fact

    Careful Favor compares alternatives and does not necessarily praise intrinsic quality.

Opposites 4

  • reject
  • veto
  • disapprove
  • condemn

Common phrases 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.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Mélange a trois, British accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated