approbation

English

Etymology

From Latin approbatio, from approbare (“to assent to as good, approve, also show to be good, confirm”), from ad (“to”) + probare (“approve, commend”), from probus (“good”). Compare with French approbation.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˌæp.ɹəʊˈbeɪ.ʃən/, /ˌæp.ɹəˈbeɪ.ʃən/
• (US) IPA: /ˌæp.ɹoʊˈbeɪ.ʃən/, /ˌæp.ɹəˈbeɪ.ʃən/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

approbation (plural approbations)

1. The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction; approval, sanction, commendation or official recognition
   • (Can we date this quote?) Thomas Babington Macaulay

     Many...joined in a loud hum of approbation.

   • (Can we date this quote?) William Melmoth

     The silent approbation of one's own breast.

   • (Can we date this quote?) Charles Darwin,

     Animals...love approbation or praise.

Usage notes

• Approbation and approval have the same general meaning, assenting to or declaring as good, sanction, commendation; but approbation is stronger and more positive. We may be anxious for the approbation of our friends; but we should be still more anxious for the approval of our own consciences. He who is desirous to obtain universal approbation will learn a good lesson from the fable of the old man and his ass. The work has been examined by several excellent judges, who have expressed their unqualified approval of its plan and execution.
  (material dates from 1913)

Synonyms

• (act of approving): approval, approve, concurrence, consent, liking, sanction
• See also Wikisaurus:praise

Antonyms

• (act of approving): disapprobation

Translations

the act of approval

Romanian: aprobare

Spanish: aprobación (es) f.

Related terms

approbate approbative approbatory

See also

• Approbation on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

External links

• approbation in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• approbation in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• approbation at OneLook Dictionary Search

---

French

Pronunciation

• Audio

  (file)

Noun

approbation f.

1. approval (permission)

This French entry was created from the translations listed at approval. It may be less reliable than other entries, and may be missing parts of speech or additional senses. Please also see approbation in the French Wiktionary. This notice will be removed when the entry is checked. (more information) February 2010