Approves

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /əˈpɹuːvz/

Definitions

1. To express a positive evaluation or consent regarding an idea or action
2. Formally permits or sanctions something to happen or be done ; expresses agreement or support for an idea, plan, or action
3. Grants authorization or endorsement from a position of authority ; signals approval or affirmation of a proposal or suggestion

Etymology: "Approve" carries a surprising Latin idea of testing. Its ancestor, Latin "probare," meant to test, prove, or find something good after examination, and "approbare" added the sense of giving assent to what has been tested. English borrowed the word through Old French "aprover" and "approuvir," and it appeared in Middle English as "aproven." The root behind "probare" is also the source of "prove," so the two verbs are close relatives, with "approve" carrying the sense of "prove good" rather than "demonstrate." The word also has a second, rival account in the sources. One suggested origin links the Old French form to the Latin "prodesse," meaning to be useful or profitable, and compares it with "improve." That theory is weak and does not explain the Latin "probare" link, which is the more solid pathway.

Synonyms: endorses, accepts, ratifies, sanctions, consents

Antonyms: disapproves, rejects, refuses, denies, vetoes