approval

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   Formal agreement or permission that allows something to go ahead.

   Grammar: Usually uncountable and often followed by for or from: you need approval for the plan, from the manager.

   Patterns

   • approval for something
   • approval from someone
   • give approval
   • seek approval

   The building project still needs approval from the city council.

   She asked for her parents' approval before booking the trip.

   The drug received final approval last month.

2. 2noununcountable

   A positive opinion that someone or something is good or acceptable.

   Grammar: Uncountable: he looked for approval in her face; it is the opposite of disapproval.

   Patterns

   • a look of approval
   • nod in approval
   • earn someone's approval

   The crowd roared its approval when the singer walked on stage.

   He nodded in approval as the chef tasted the sauce.

   Teenagers often care deeply about their friends' approval.

3. 3noununcountableold-fashionedbusiness

   The arrangement by which goods are sent to a customer to inspect and try before deciding whether to buy.

   Grammar: Used in the fixed phrase on approval: the shop sent the dress on approval.

   Patterns

   • on approval

   The company would send suits on approval for ten days.

   She ordered two rugs on approval and returned one.

   Books were once available on approval from the club.

Common combinations

seek approval

All staff must seek approval before working extra hours.

gain approval

The plan finally gained approval after a long debate.

final approval

The committee gave its final approval on Tuesday.

stamp of approval

The critics gave the film their stamp of approval.

public approval

The mayor's public approval rating rose last year.

approval rating

The president's approval rating dropped in the autumn.

Synonyms and how they differ

permission

Permission is the act of allowing someone to do something, while approval can also mean a good opinion of it.

consent

Consent focuses on a person agreeing to something that affects them, which is narrower than approval.

endorsement

Endorsement is public support, often from a well-known person or group, and it is stronger than quiet approval.

blessing

Blessing is a warmer, more personal form of approval, often from a family member or leader.

Opposites

Word family

approve verb

to agree to something officially, or to think something is good

approved adjective

officially accepted as suitable

disapproval noun

a feeling that something is wrong or not good enough

approvingly adverb

in a way that shows a favorable opinion

Commonly confused: approval or approbation? approval or appraisal?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “approval”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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