approve
gb/əpɹˈuv/ us/əpɹˈuv/
B1
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Formally accept or agree to
To say yes to something or decide it is good or right, often in an official way.
Usage pattern:
to approve [plan/proposal/request]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'approve' with 'agree'. 'Approve' usually involves an official decision or permission, while 'agree' is about sharing the same opinion.
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.)
Collocations
approve a plan
|approve a proposal
|approve a request
|approve a budget
|approve a contract
Themes
business
|law
|daily life
|work
Examples
- The committee approved the new budget after several revisions.
- The city council approved the construction project.
- Her manager approved her request for vacation days.
Learner examples
- The teacher approved my idea for the project.
- My boss approved my holiday request.
- The school approved the new class schedule.
Verb
B1
action
2
Consider something good or acceptable
To like something or think it is good or right.
Usage pattern:
to approve of [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners often forget to use 'of' in this sense. The correct form is 'approve of', not just 'approve'.
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.)
Collocations
approve of behavior
|approve of methods
|approve of decision
Themes
emotions
|opinions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I don't approve of the way they treat their employees.
- Most parents approve of this teaching method.
- She strongly approves of his dedication to work.
Learner examples
- My parents approve of my new job.
- I approve of your choice.
- She does not approve of smoking.
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.