approves
|a-prove|
/əˈpruːv/
(approve)
official agreement
Etymology
'approve' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'approbare', where 'ad-' meant 'to'/'toward' and 'probare' meant 'to test, prove, approve'.
'approve' changed from Old French 'aprover' (or Medieval Latin 'approbare') and became the modern English word 'approve' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to test or prove (something) to be good' and over time evolved into the current meaning of 'to accept, agree to, or officially sanction'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
'approval' — the noun form related to 'approve'.
Her boss's approval made the idea move forward.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'approve'.
She approves the final version of the report.
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Verb 2
to officially agree to or accept something (e.g., a plan, request, law); to give formal consent or sanction.
The committee approves the budget every year.
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Verb 3
to regard something or someone with a positive opinion or to think that something is good or acceptable (often used with 'of').
He approves of her decision to study abroad.
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Adjective 1
'approving' — the adjective form related to 'approve'.
She gave him an approving look.
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Adverb 1
'approvingly' — the adverb form related to 'approve'.
The teacher nodded approvingly at the student's answer.
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Last updated: 2025/09/27 22:22