ap ‧ prov ‧ ing /əˈpruːvɪŋ/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ approving ≠ ↑ disapproving , ↑ approved ; verb : ↑ approve ≠ ↑ disapprove ; noun : ↑ approval ≠ ↑ disapproval ; adverb : ↑ approvingly ≠ ↑ disapprovingly ]
showing support or agreement for something OPP disapproving
an approving nod/glance/smile etc
—approvingly adverb :
She smiled approvingly at the child.