Meaning & use
approbations
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“approbations” is a form of “approbation”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nouncountableformal
Expressions of official approval or praise for someone or something.
Grammar: Countable: you can say an approbation or approbations. Often used in the plural to refer to multiple instances.
Patterns
- win approbations from someone
- receive approbations
- a chorus of approbations
The new policy received approbations from several government ministers.
Her performance earned approbations from the critics.
The committee gave its approbations to the proposed changes.
Word forms
| singular | approbation |
|---|
Common combinations
- win approbation
- He hoped to win the approbation of his superiors.
- a nod of approbation
- She gave a slight nod of approbation.
- general approbation
- The plan met with general approbation.
Synonyms and how they differ
- approval
- More common and less formal; approbation is often official or public.
- praise
- Focuses on admiration expressed in words; approbation can also be official permission.
- endorsement
- Often means public support for a person or product; approbation is broader.
Opposites
Word family
- approbate verb
- To approve officially; rare.
- approbatory adjective
- Showing approval; formal.
Commonly confused: approbations or approbation? approbations or reprobation?
approbations vs approbation
This is the singular form; 'approbations' is the plural. Use 'approbation' for one instance.
approbations vs reprobation
Reprobation means strong disapproval, the opposite of approbation.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'approbations' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Approbations is a plural noun meaning expressions of approval, so 'received many approbations' fits. The other options use it as an adjective, verb, or singular noun incorrectly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “approbations”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.