LookItUp

approve

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /əˈpruːv/

Forms: approves, approving, approved

approve means: To officially say that something is acceptable and can happen.

verb

GIVE PERMISSIONB1

To officially say that something is acceptable and can happen.

  • The council approved the plan.
  • Has your manager approved your holiday request?
  • The board must approve the budget before work begins.

Similar words: authorize, accept, sanction

Opposites: reject

Common phrases: approve a plan, approve something, approve a budget, approve an agreement

THINK WELL OFB1

To think that someone or something is good or acceptable.

  • My parents approve of you.
  • I don’t approve of smoking indoors.
  • Did she approve of your decision to leave?

How to use it: approve of someone/something (Her parents approve of her new friends.); approve of someone doing something (I approve of students asking questions.)

Similar words: like, support, endorse

Opposites: disapprove

Common phrases: approve of someone, approve of something

Questions about approve

What does approve mean?

To officially say that something is acceptable and can happen.

What is approve in other languages?

Türkçe: onaylamak · Español: aprobar · Français: approuver · Deutsch: genehmigen · Italiano: approvare · 日本語: 承認する

How do you pronounce approve?

It is pronounced /əˈpruːv/.

How do you use approve in a sentence?

The council approved the plan. Has your manager approved your holiday request?

Learn approve while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

approve in other languages

More words