ap·prove
(ə-prōōv́)
[Middle English approven, from Old French aprover, from Latin approbāre, ad-, ad-, + probāre, to test (from probus, good; see per1).]
verb: -proved, -prov·ing, -proves.
transitive verb
- To consider right or good; think or speak favorably of.
- To consent to officially or formally; confirm or sanction: The Senate approved the treaty.
- Obsolete To prove or attest.
intransitive verb
- To show, feel, or express approval: didn't approve of the decision.
derivatives
- ap·prov́a·ble
- adjective
- ap·prov́ing·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)
