approve

/əˈpruv/

/əˈpruv/

Other forms: approved; approving; approves

When you take your new love to meet your parents, you hope that they approve of your choice in partners, but when your date starts eating with his hands at dinner, chances are pretty slim.

Approve was first used like to mean "prove" or "show"––think, "The proof is in the pudding." Now, approve means to officially agree. You might need the principal to sign off on, or approve, any purchase of new materials for the classroom. Congress can also approve a bill or budget in this way. It’s important to remember that, like apple and appropriate, approve is spelled with a double “p.”

Definitions of approve

1. verb

   judge to be right or commendable; think well of
   antonyms:

   disapprove

   consider bad or wrong

   types:

   rubberstamp

   approve automatically

   type of:

   evaluate, judge, pass judgment

   form a critical opinion of
2. verb

   give sanction to
   “I approve of his educational policies”

   synonyms: O.K., okay, sanction

   antonyms:

   disapprove

   deem wrong or inappropriate

   types:

   sanction

   give religious sanction to, such as through on oath

   visa

   approve officially

   back, endorse, indorse, plump for, plunk for, support

   be behind; approve of

   confirm

   support a person for a position

   guarantee, warrant

   stand behind and guarantee the quality, accuracy, or condition of

   champion, defend

   protect or fight for as a champion

   type of:

   authorise, authorize, clear, pass

   grant authorization or clearance for