approve

verb

Sayuh-PROOV/əˈpɹuːv/

Formsapproves, approving, approved

6 meanings of approve

1
verbtransitive
To officially say yes to something, like a plan or request.
Like a green light that lets a plan go ahead.
The city council voted to approve the new park plans.
Her manager approved the budget request yesterday.
Similarauthorize, sanction, endorse, ratify, pass
Oppositereject, veto, refuse, block
Note
2
verbtransitive
To think that something or someone is good.
Like giving a thumbs up to something you like.
I approve this design because it looks clean and simple.
The critics approved her bold new style.
Similarendorse, favor, support, commend, applaud
Oppositecondemn, criticize, deplore, oppose
Note
3
verbintransitive
To feel that someone or something is good or right.
Like nodding yes because you think something is good.
My grandmother does not approve of loud music.
They approved of the plan and offered their help.
Similarfavor, support, like, accept, welcome
Oppositedisapprove, object, oppose
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4
verbtransitive
To take common or unused land and use it for your own profit.
The lord moved to approve the waste land beyond the village.
He approved the common meadow and fenced it for his own sheep.
Similarappropriate
Note

Less common meanings

5
verbarchaictransitive
To prove or show that something is true by putting it to the test.
Like passing a test to show what you can really do.
The knight sought to approve his courage in battle.
He had approved himself a great warrior.
1848, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession Of James IIHere, approved means proved or showed by his actions that he was a great warrior.
Note
6
verbarchaictransitive
To show that someone or something deserves praise or trust.
Like proving yourself on the first day of a new job.
The young officer hoped to approve himself in his first command.
The first care and concern must be to approve himself to God.
a. 1729, John Rogers, The Duty and Advantageous of Trust in GodHere, approve means show himself worthy, proving his merit to God.
Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–3, 5–6

It comes from Latin, from 'ad' (to) plus 'probo' (to esteem as good, approve, prove), which passed through Old French and Middle English.

Meaning 4

It comes through Old French from a form that apparently goes back to the 'pro' in Latin 'prosum', meaning to be useful or profitable.