v.
Pronunciation: ə - ' prüv
Function: verb
Inflected Form: ap · proved ; ap · prov · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French apruer, approver, from Latin approbare, from ad- + probare to prove ― more at PROVE
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 obsolete : PROVE , ATTEST
2 : to have or express a favorable opinion of <couldn't approve such conduct>
3 a : to accept as satisfactory <hopes she will approve the date of the meeting> b : to give formal or official sanction to : RATIFY <Congress approved the proposed budget>
intransitive verb : to take a favorable view <doesn't approve of fighting>
– ap · prov · ing · ly \ - ' prü-vi ŋ -l ē \ adverb
synonyms APPROVE , ENDORSE , SANCTION , ACCREDIT , CERTIFY mean to have or express a favorable opinion of. APPROVE often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration <the parents approve of the marriage>. ENDORSE suggests an explicit statement of support <publicly endorsed her for Senator>. SANCTION implies both approval and authorization <the President sanctioned covert operations>. ACCREDIT and CERTIFY usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards <the board voted to accredit the college> <must be certified to teach>.