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Definition of approving
approving
/əˈpruː.vɪŋ/
ap · prov · ing
Adverb:approvingly
approving Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
Syllables
3
approving Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Showing, expressing, or feeling a favorable opinion, agreement, or praise toward someone or something.
Example
"The mentor gave the student an approving nod after reviewing her thoroughly researched thesis proposal."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for approving Antonyms
View all antonyms for approving• Rhymes for approving
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed from the verb 'approve', which entered Middle English via Old French 'aprover', from Latin 'approbare' ('to assent to as good'), combining 'ad-' ('to') and 'probare' ('to test, prove, or esteem as good').
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Approving. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/approving