Definition of approve

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ap·prove    (-prv) KEY 

VERB:
ap·proved, ap·prov·ing, ap·proves
VERB:
tr.

1. To consider right or good; think or speak favorably of.
2. To consent to officially or formally; confirm or sanction: The Senate approved the treaty.
3. Obsolete To prove or attest.

VERB:
intr.

To show, feel, or express approval: didn't approve of the decision.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English approven, from Old French aprover, from Latin approbre : ad-, ad- + probre, to test (from probus, good; see per¹ in Indo-European roots)

OTHER FORMS:
ap·prova·ble(Adjective), ap·proving·ly(Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
approve, endorse, sanction, certify, accredit, ratify

These verbs mean to express a favorable opinion or to signify satisfaction or acceptance. Approve means to consider right or good, but it can also denote official consent: "The colonel or commanding officer approves the sentence of a regimental court-martial" (Charles James). Endorse implies the public expression of support: The senator endorsed the candidate by issuing a press release. Sanction usually implies official authorization: The privilege of voting is a right sanctioned by law. Certify and accredit imply official approval based on compliance with requirements or standards: "The proper officers, comparing every article with its voucher, certified them to be right" (Benjamin Franklin). The board of education will accredit only institutions that have a sufficiently rigorous curriculum. To ratify is to invest officially with legal authority: "Amendments . . . shall be valid . . . when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States" (U.S. Constitution, Article V).