approve
word
/əˈpɹuv/
uh-PROOV
/ɐpɹˈuːv/
uh-PROOV
Definition
To officially accept, allow, or say yes to something. It can also mean to think something or someone is good or acceptable.
Usage & Nuances
Common in formal and everyday English. 'Approve' is often used for official decisions: 'approve a plan', 'approve a budget', 'approve an application'. With 'of', it means to have a positive opinion: 'I don't approve of smoking'. Don't confuse 'approve' with 'prove' or only with school grades.
Spanish: aprobar - autorizarPortuguese (BR): aprovar - autorizarPortuguese (PT): aprovar - autorizarChinese (Simplified): 批准 - 赞成Chinese (Traditional): 批准 - 贊成Hindi: मंज़ूर करना - स्वीकृति देनाArabic: يوافق على - يعتمدBengali: অনুমোদন করা - সমর্থন করাRussian: одобрять - утверждатьJapanese: 承認する - 賛成するVietnamese: phê duyệt - chấp thuận - tán thànhKorean: 승인하다 - 찬성하다Turkish: onaylamak - uygun bulmakUrdu: منظور کرنا - اچھا سمجھناIndonesian: menyetujui - menyetorkan (secara resmi)
Example Sentences
The manager approved my vacation request.
basic
My parents do not approve of that idea.
basic
The bank approved her loan yesterday.
basic
They finally approved the new budget after weeks of debate.
natural
I don't approve of the way he talks to people, honestly.
natural
Once legal approves it, we can move forward.
natural