approve
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
To officially agree to or accept something as satisfactory.
To have a favourable opinion of someone or something; to formally consent to a plan, request, or expenditure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb can be transitive (approve something) or intransitive, often followed by 'of' (approve of something/someone). The transitive use is more formal and often official. The intransitive use with 'of' relates to personal opinion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use both transitive and intransitive constructions. The transitive use (e.g., 'The committee approved the budget') is equally common in formal contexts in both. The intransitive 'approve of' (e.g., 'I don't approve of that behaviour') is also standard in both.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in formal/business contexts, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] approve [O] (transitive)[S] approve of [O] (intransitive)[S] approve [O] for [purpose]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The powers that be have approved it.”
- “It has the stamp of approval.”
- “To give something one's seal of approval.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Formal authorisation of budgets, projects, or contracts (e.g., 'The board must approve all major expenditures.').
Academic
Formal acceptance of research proposals, ethics applications, or publication of findings.
Everyday
Expressing personal agreement or liking (e.g., 'My parents don't approve of my new haircut.').
Technical
Certification or compliance sign-off in engineering, pharmaceuticals, or software development.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The local council must approve the planning permission.
- I don't approve of littering in the park.
- The expenditure was approved by the finance director.
American English
- The FDA has to approve the new drug.
- My dad doesn't approve of me dropping out of college.
- The Senate approved the bill after a long debate.
adverb
British English
- He nodded approvingly at the suggestion.
American English
- She smiled approvingly when she saw the finished report.
adjective
British English
- The approved supplier list is on the intranet.
- Please use the approved methodology for the audit.
American English
- You must follow the approved safety procedures.
- She submitted the approved version of the manuscript.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My teacher approved my drawing.
- Do you approve of my new shoes?
- The bank approved my loan application last week.
- Her parents don't approve of her boyfriend.
- Parliament is expected to approve the new law by a large majority.
- The ethics committee has yet to approve the research design.
- The regulator approved the merger, subject to certain stringent conditions.
- While I understand his rationale, I cannot in good conscience approve of his methods.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRO giving their approval. AP-PROVE. A professional (PRO) must approve the plan.
Conceptual Metaphor
APPROVAL IS A STAMP (to give a seal of approval). APPROVAL IS A GREEN LIGHT (to give the go-ahead).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'approve of' (одобрять) vs. transitive 'approve' (утверждать, одобрять официально).
- The Russian 'аппробировать' is a false friend; it is a rare, formal cognate, not for everyday use.
- Avoid using 'approve' to mean 'to try' or 'to test' (as in 'испытывать' or 'проверять').
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I approve your decision.' (Missing 'of' for personal opinion). Correct: 'I approve of your decision.' OR 'The council approved your decision.' (Official).
- Incorrect preposition: 'approve for' something (when meaning personal opinion). Correct: 'approve of'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'approve' correctly in a formal, official context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Approve' (transitive) is for official consent or authorisation. 'Approve of' (intransitive) is for having a favourable personal opinion.
Yes, especially in formal contexts (e.g., 'The plan was approved by the director').
Yes, for personal opinion ('disapprove of'). For official rejection, 'reject', 'deny', or 'veto' are more direct opposites of transitive 'approve'.
Using the transitive form ('approve something') when they mean a personal opinion, which requires 'approve of something'.