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Definition of approval

approval

/əˈpruː.vəl/
ap · prov · al
Adverb:approvingly
•
Plural:approvals
•
Adjective:approving
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approval Lexical Profile

approval Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The belief or feeling that someone or something is good, acceptable, or satisfactory; a favorable opinion or estimation.

Example

"The young pianist looked toward her teacher hoping for a nod of approval after the recital."

2

Official permission, authorization, or formal agreement to a plan, request, or course of action.

Example

"The construction company cannot begin work on the new bridge until it receives final approval from the city council."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for approval

• Nearby Words

appropriateness
appropriator
approvable
approval
approve
approved
approver

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English from the verb 'approve' and the noun suffix '-al'. 'Approve' derives via Old French from Latin 'approbare' ('to assent to as good'), from 'ad-' ('to') and 'probare' ('to test or try', from 'probus', meaning 'good' or 'honest').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Approval. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/approval
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