approve

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[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Etymology 1

Middle English aproven, appreven (to prove), Old French aprover, French approuver (to approve), from Latin approbō, from ad + probō (to esteem as good, approve, prove). Compare prove, approbate.

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to approve

Third person singular
approves

Simple past
approved

Past participle
approved

Present participle
approving

to approve (third-person singular simple present approves, present participle approving, simple past and past participle approved)

  1. (transitive) To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm.
    Although we may disagree with it, we must nevertheless approve the sentence handed down by the court-martial.
  2. (transitive) To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of.
    We approve the measure of the administration, for it is an excellent decision.
  3. (transitive) To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically.
  4. (intransitive) To consider or show to be worthy of approbation or acceptance.
    • Henry Rogers,
      The first care and concern must be to approve himself to God.
    Note: This word, when it signifies to be pleased with, to think favorably (of), is often followed by of.
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Translations

[edit] Etymology 2

Old French aprouer; a + a form apparently derived from the pro, prod, in Latin prōsum (be useful or profitable). Compare with improve.

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to approve

Third person singular
approves

Simple past
approved

Past participle
approved

Present participle
approving

to approve (third-person singular simple present approves, present participle approving, simple past and past participle approved)

  1. (transitive) (English Law) To make profit of; to convert to one's own profit;—said esp. of waste or common land appropriated by the lord of the manor.

[edit] References