Approve

Pronunciation

• GenAm IPA: /əˈpɹuːv/
• Rhymes: -uːv

From Middle English aproven, appreven ("to prove"), Old French aprover ("to approve"), (French approuver), from Latin approbō, from ad + probō ("to esteem as good, approve, prove"). Compare prove, approbate.

Full definition of approve

Verb

1. (transitive) To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm.
• 2013-08-10, Can China clean up fast enough?, It has jailed environmental activists and is planning to limit the power of judicial oversight by handing a state-approved body a monopoly over bringing environmental lawsuits.
2. Although we may disagree with it, we must nevertheless approve the sentence handed down by the court-martial.
3. (transitive) To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of.
   We approve the measure of the administration, for it is an excellent decision.
4. (transitive) To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically.
• Ralph Waldo Emerson,Opportunities to approve...worth.
• Thomas Babington Macaulay,He had approved himself a great warrior.
• George Gordon Byron,'T is an old lesson; Time approves it true.
• Francis Parkman,His account...approves him a man of thought.
5. (intransitive) To consider or show to be worthy of approbation or acceptance.
• Henry Rogers,The first care and concern must be to approve himself to God.
• Thomas Babington Macaulay,They had not approved of the deposition of James.
• William Black,They approved of the political institutions.
6. Note: This word, when it signifies to be pleased with, to think favorably (of), is often followed by of.

Derived terms

Old French aprouer; a- + a form apparently derived from the pro, prod, in Latin prōsum ("be useful or profitable"). Compare with improve.

Verb

1. (transitive, English Law) To make profit of; to convert to one's own profit;—said especially of waste or common land appropriated by the lord of the manor.