disapprovals
|dis-ap-prov-als|
🇺🇸
/ˌdɪsəˈpruːvəlz/
🇬🇧
/ˌdɪsəˈpruːv(ə)lz/
(disapproval)
not approving; objection
Etymology
'disapproval' originates from Latin and Old French, specifically from the prefix 'dis-' (Latin) and the verb 'approbare' (Latin) via Old French 'aprover', where 'dis-' meant 'not' or 'opposite' and 'approbare' meant 'to approve; to confirm'.
'disapproval' developed by combining the negative prefix 'dis-' with Middle English/Old French forms of 'approve' (Old French 'aprover' < Latin 'approbare'), and the noun form 'approval' in Middle English led to the modern English 'disapproval'.
Initially, the elements meant 'not' + 'to approve/confirm', and over time they came together to mean the state or expression of not approving; the core sense (a withholding of approval or an expression of objection) has been maintained.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'disapproval': expressions or instances of not approving; objections, criticism, or unfavorable judgments.
Her frequent disapprovals of the committee's proposals slowed the project.
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Noun 2
instances of showing displeasure or moral judgment toward someone's action or behavior (counts as multiple acts of expressing disapproval).
Public disapprovals of the decision were posted across social media.
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Last updated: 2025/12/26 14:53