approve
gb/əpɹˈuv/ us/əpɹˈuv/
B1
English
~ 1800
jóváhagy, elfogad, engedélyez, helyesel, helyesnek tart
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to approve [plan/proposal/request]
The committee approved the new budget after several revisions.
A bizottság több módosítás után jóváhagyta az új költségvetést.
The city council approved the construction project.
A városi tanács jóváhagyta az építési projektet.
Her manager approved her request for vacation days.
Learner examples
The teacher approved my idea for the project.
A tanár elfogadta az ötletemet a projekthez.
My boss approved my holiday request.
A főnököm jóváhagyta a szabadságkérelmemet.
The school approved the new class schedule.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'approve' with 'agree'. 'Approve' usually involves an official decision or permission, while 'agree' is about sharing the same opinion.
Meaning
Formally accept or agree to
Collocations
approve a plan
|approve a proposal
|approve a request
|approve a budget
|approve a contract
Synonyms
authorize (Implies granting formal permission, often with legal power.)
|
endorse (Suggests public or official support, sometimes for a person or idea.)
Antonyms
reject (Means to refuse to accept something as good or suitable.)
|
disapprove (Means to not accept or agree with something, often morally or personally.)
Themes
business
|law
|daily life
|work
Definition
To say yes to something or decide it is good or right, often in an official way.
To officially accept, agree to, or confirm something as satisfactory or correct.
VERB
B1
2
helyesel
B2
Usage pattern:
to approve of [something/someone]
I don't approve of the way they treat their employees.
Nem helyeslem, ahogyan az alkalmazottaikkal bánnak.
Most parents approve of this teaching method.
A legtöbb szülő helyesli ezt a tanítási módszert.
She strongly approves of his dedication to work.
Learner examples
My parents approve of my new job.
A szüleim helyeslik az új állásomat.
I approve of your choice.
Helyeslem a választásodat.
She does not approve of smoking.
Common mistake:
Learners often forget to use 'of' in this sense. The correct form is 'approve of', not just 'approve'.
Meaning
Consider something good or acceptable
Collocations
approve of behavior
|approve of methods
|approve of decision
Synonyms
support (Indicates backing an idea or action emotionally or morally.)
|
favor (Suggests preference for something over alternatives.)
Antonyms
disapprove of (Means to think something is wrong or bad.)
|
oppose (Actively work against an idea or action.)
Themes
emotions
|opinions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To like something or think it is good or right.
To have a positive opinion of something; to believe it is good, right, or acceptable.
Grammar
Dictionary form
approve
IPA
GB/əpɹˈuv/
US/əpɹˈuv/
Syllables & stress
ap - prove (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (prove)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: approve
- 3rd Person Singular: approves
- Present Participle: approving
- Past: approved
Word family
Forms
approves
verb
approving
verb
approved
verb
Core family
approval
noun B1
Related words
approvingly
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
approve of
1/əpɹˈuv əv/
fixed phrase
Think something is good/acceptable
To like something or think it is right.
Examples
- I don't approve of lying under any circumstances.
- Does your boss approve of working from home?
grant approval
4/ɡɹˈænt əpɹˈuvəl/
fixed phrase
formal
Officially agree to a request/plan
To officially say yes to a request or plan.
Examples
- The board granted approval for the merger.
- They must grant approval before construction begins.
give the green light
2/ɡˈɪv ðə ɡɹˈin lˈaɪt/
idiom
informal
Give official permission to proceed
To say yes so that someone can start doing something.
Examples
- The mayor gave the green light to the new park project.
- The manager gave us the green light to launch the campaign.
give the green light
3/ɡˈɪv ðə ɡɹˈin lˈaɪt/
idiom
Allow something to start officially
To give permission for something to begin.
Examples
- The boss gave the green light for the new project.
- They can't start building until the city gives the green light.