APPROVE

Definition of APPROVE

APPROVE Verb

Approve is a verb that refers to the act of giving formal consent, agreement, or support to something. It involves expressing a positive judgment or endorsement, often after careful consideration. To approve something means to accept it as satisfactory, right, or worthy, and it can apply to ideas, actions, decisions, or behavior. The term is frequently used in both formal and informal contexts to convey acceptance, permission, or validation.

Formal Approval: In a formal setting, approve often refers to granting official consent or authorization. For example, a government agency may approve a law or regulation, or a manager might approve a project proposal before it moves forward. In these cases, the act of approving signifies that the subject meets certain criteria or standards, thus allowing it to proceed. Formal approval is essential in bureaucratic processes, ensuring that all required checks and balances have been met before taking action.

Personal Approval: On a personal level, approve can describe the act of endorsing someone’s choices, actions, or behavior. A person may approve of a friend’s decision, a family member’s actions, or even an employee’s performance. In these cases, the approval is usually based on individual values, beliefs, and judgments. For instance, a parent may approve of their child’s choice of career or a friend may approve of another friend’s choice in a romantic partner. This form of approval fosters trust and support in relationships.

Legal and Professional Approval: In legal or professional contexts, approve is a crucial term that signifies that a proposed idea, plan, or document complies with necessary regulations or standards. In the legal realm, a judge may approve a settlement in court, or a regulatory body might approve a new drug after it passes safety tests. In these situations, approval is a formal acknowledgment that something is legally or professionally acceptable. Such approval is often a prerequisite for proceeding with actions that have significant consequences.

Approval in Decision Making: The act of approving also plays a key role in decision-making processes. In group settings, such as committees, boards, or teams, members may approve decisions, proposals, or initiatives by voting or expressing agreement. This ensures that decisions reflect collective input and consensus. For example, a team may approve a new marketing strategy, or a board of directors might approve a financial budget for the upcoming year. Approval in these contexts represents a shared commitment to a chosen course of action.

Approval as Permission: Approve can also refer to giving permission or granting access. For example, a teacher may approve a student’s request for an extension on an assignment, or a manager might approve time off for an employee. This type of approval often implies a level of trust and authority, where the person granting approval has the discretion to allow or deny the request. The act of approving in this sense signals permission to proceed with a request or action.

Usage in Formal and Informal Contexts: Approve is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, though its application varies depending on the setting. In formal contexts, it often involves legal, professional, or organizational consent, whereas in informal settings, it may simply express personal agreement or support. In both cases, the act of approving signifies that something is deemed acceptable, worthy, or fitting. For example, a boss may approve a vacation request in a work context, while a friend might approve of another friend’s outfit in a social context.

Psychological and Social Impact of Approval: The act of approving has psychological significance, as it affirms the value or correctness of something. People often seek approval from others, whether in personal relationships, work environments, or public life, as it provides validation and boosts self-esteem. Positive approval fosters trust and strengthens relationships, while lack of approval or disapproval can lead to feelings of rejection or inadequacy. In this sense, approval plays a key role in social dynamics, contributing to motivation, confidence, and well-being.

In conclusion, approve is a versatile verb that denotes the act of expressing agreement, consent, or endorsement. It plays a central role in various contexts, from legal and professional settings to personal relationships and decision-making processes. Whether granting permission, expressing positive judgment, or formalizing consent, approve represents a key action in human interaction and organizational functioning. By approving, individuals and groups reinforce their support, trust, and alignment with particular actions, decisions, or ideas, creating a foundation for progress and cooperation.

Examples of APPROVE in a sentence

• The board of directors will approve the new budget at the next meeting.
• She did not approve of the changes made to the project and voiced her concerns.
• The teacher will approve your leave request if it meets the school’s guidelines.
• The committee unanimously voted to approve the new policy on workplace diversity.
• He was waiting for the manager to approve his proposal before moving forward.
• I’m sure my parents will approve of my decision to study abroad.
• The government will not approve the new law unless it undergoes further revisions.
• They are still waiting for the client to approve the final design before production begins.

Origin of APPROVE

The term approve has an etymology that traces back to the act of affirming or giving consent, and it reflects its evolution from a formal action of approval to a broader use in expressing agreement or endorsement.

Semantic Context: Approve is a verb that means to accept, agree with, or give official sanction or consent to something. It can refer to both formal approval, such as in legal or professional contexts, as well as informal agreement or endorsement in everyday situations.

• Etymological Roots: The word approve comes from the Old French “aprover” (meaning “to approve” or “to confirm”), which is derived from the Latin verb “approbare” (meaning “to approve” or “to sanction”). The Latin verb is formed from “ad-“ (toward) and “probare” (to test or prove), meaning “to test or prove something in favor” or “to find something to be good or acceptable.” The term approve entered English in the 14th century, initially used in the sense of confirming or endorsing a decision or proposal.
• Historical Development: Initially, approve had a more formal connotation, primarily used in legal, governmental, or institutional contexts to describe the act of granting official sanction or consent to a decision, document, or action. Over time, the usage of approve expanded to include informal contexts, where it began to refer to agreeing with or endorsing someone’s ideas, actions, or proposals. By the 16th century, the word had become more widely used to describe both formal approval (such as by an authority or institution) and personal or general agreement.
• Cultural and Social Applications: As society grew more complex, the need for formal approval became essential in various sectors like government, law, and business. In these contexts, approving something could mean granting permission or authority. In personal and social contexts, approve became a way to express support or endorsement of an idea, decision, or person. For example, a manager might approve a proposal, or a parent might approve of a child’s behavior. The term also evolved to encompass a broader meaning of positive evaluation, where approving someone or something could simply imply agreement or appreciation.
• Current Usage: Today, approve is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In professional and legal settings, it continues to refer to the act of granting permission, endorsement, or official sanction, such as when a board approves a policy or a government agency approves a regulation. In everyday usage, approve has become more generalized, referring to expressing agreement or favor toward a person, action, idea, or proposal. For example, a person might approve of a friend’s choice or approve a business idea during a meeting. It can also be used in a more personal sense to indicate emotional or social acceptance, as when someone approves of someone else’s lifestyle or behavior.

The term approve demonstrates the shift from a specific, formal action of endorsement or sanctioning to a more widely used verb that conveys agreement, consent, and positive evaluation in various contexts. This expansion in usage reflects the growing importance of approval in both official and personal spheres of modern life.