Words / B2

uh-PROOVL/əˈpruːvl/

Approval is official agreement, or a feeling that something is good: subject to approval, win someone’s approval. Permission is closer for being allowed; agreement can be a deal between sides. Approve is the verb (approve a plan / approve of behaviour). Disapproval is the opposite. In speech, a yes from the manager is plainer than approval.

Meaning

Official agreement, or a feeling that something is good.

Examples

• “The plan needs the manager’s approval.”
• “The trip is on hold pending the head’s approval.”
• “She looked at the draft with approval, then asked for one cut.”

Good to know

subject to approval. Verb: approve / approve of. Everyday: permission / a yes. Opposite: disapproval.

Near in meaning

permission

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