disapprove
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
To have or express an unfavorable opinion about something; to consider something wrong or unacceptable.
Can refer to withholding official permission or consent, particularly in formal contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a moral or ethical judgment. Frequently used with the preposition 'of' when referring to the object of disapproval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The phrasal verb 'disapprove of' is standard in both. British English may slightly favour it in more formal, written contexts.
Connotations
Slightly stronger and more formal than 'don't like' in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SBJ] disapproves[SBJ] disapproves of [OBJ][SBJ] disapproves (of [OBJ]) doing sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “look down one's nose at”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board is likely to disapprove the merger proposal due to financial risks.
Academic
Early critics strongly disapproved of Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Everyday
My parents disapprove of my new hairstyle.
Technical
The ethics committee voted to disapprove the research protocol.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headteacher disapproved of the pupils' conduct.
- The planning authority disapproved the new development.
American English
- The principal disapproved of the students' behaviour.
- The city council disapproved the building permit.
adverb
British English
- She shook her head disapprovingly.
- He looked at the messy room disapprovingly.
American English
- My mom looked at my tattoo disapprovingly.
- The judge spoke disapprovingly of the defendant's actions.
adjective
British English
- She gave him a disapproving look.
- The report met with a disapproving reaction from ministers.
American English
- He got a disapproving glance from his father.
- The committee's disapproving tone was clear in the memo.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My teacher disapproves of mobile phones in class.
- His father disapproves.
- Many people disapprove of eating meat.
- The local council disapproved the plans for a new supermarket.
- The director publicly disapproved of the actor's unprofessional behaviour.
- While I understand his reasons, I fundamentally disapprove of his methods.
- The ethics panel unanimously disapproved the proposed experiment on humanitarian grounds.
- Her work was disapproved by the artistic establishment, which only fueled her revolutionary spirit.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIS (not) + APPROVE = to NOT approve.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS DIRECTION (to look down on something).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'не одобрять' as 'not approve'. Use 'disapprove' as a single verb. Confusion with 'disprove' (which means 'to prove false').
Common Mistakes
- He disapproves my idea. (Incorrect - missing 'of')
- I am disapproving his actions. (Rarely used in progressive form)
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition most commonly follows 'disapprove' when indicating the object of judgment?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Disapprove' implies a moral judgment that something is wrong or unacceptable. 'Disagree' simply means to have a different opinion, without the moral dimension.
Yes, but typically only in formal or official contexts where it means 'to refuse to approve' something, like a request or proposal (e.g., 'The permit was disapproved'). For personal opinions, 'disapprove of' is standard.
Primarily, yes. It describes a state of opinion. Continuous forms ('is disapproving') are rare and sound awkward, used mostly for deliberate, repeated actions.
The noun is 'disapproval' (e.g., 'She looked at him with disapproval').