Approve Meaning
Approve Definition & Usage
To officially accept or agree to something.
Examples
- "The board of directors approved the new business proposal."
- "Her application was approved by the committee."
- "After much discussion, the changes were finally approved."
- "The mayor approved the new city budget last night."
- "His request for additional funding was approved by the grant agency."
To express a positive opinion about something or someone, or to give approval for an action or decision.
Examples
- "I approve of your decision to go ahead with the new project."
- "She approved the proposal after reading through all the details."
- "They didn’t approve of the changes to the original plan."
- "John’s parents approved of his choice of university."
- "His behavior was approved by the teacher after he apologized."
To show approval through non-verbal cues, such as body language, or other social signals.
Examples
- "He nodded to approve of the suggestion."
- "The manager gave an approving smile when the task was completed on time."
- "She raised her eyebrows in approval after hearing the proposal."
- "I could tell from his face that he approved of the arrangement."
- "They clapped in approval when the speaker finished the presentation."
Cultural Context
The word 'approve' comes from the Old French word 'approver', which meant to assess or test, reflecting its evolution into the current sense of endorsing or giving permission. It’s a commonly used term in both professional and personal contexts to express consent, support, or a positive judgment. The act of approving is significant in many legal, political, and personal contexts, from governmental decisions to informal social situations.
The Approval of the Unseen Path
Story
The Approval of the Unseen Path
When Sarah found herself standing before the committee, the weight of her decision felt almost unbearable. The room was full of stern faces, each waiting for her to present her research on sustainable energy. Despite the nerves, she spoke with confidence, outlining her findings and the potential benefits for both the environment and the economy. As she finished, she held her breath, waiting for their verdict. Mr. Bennett, the head of the committee, was the first to speak. 'This is an impressive proposal, Sarah,' he said. 'I approve of your recommendations.' His voice was firm but approving, signaling to the rest of the committee that they, too, should consider the importance of this new path. Later that evening, Sarah was sitting with her colleagues in the coffee shop, reflecting on the approval. 'I never thought they'd approve so quickly,' she said. 'I expected more resistance.' Her friend Mark, always the optimist, smiled. 'Sometimes all it takes is showing them something worthwhile. I could tell they approved just by their body language – the nodding, the smiles. It's not just about the decision; it's about how they approve of your vision.' Sarah nodded, considering his words. As they left the café, Mark clapped her on the back. 'Well done, Sarah. You earned that approval.' In the weeks that followed, Sarah noticed how approval played a role in everyday life – from her boss giving an approving glance when she finished a report to the way her parents had finally approved of her decision to move abroad. Approval, she realized, wasn’t always about formal processes. Sometimes, it was just about being seen and acknowledged. Sarah’s journey to approval wasn’t just about securing a formal decision; it was about understanding the layers of approval in different aspects of life – from the professional to the personal. With each step, she was becoming more confident, knowing that approval, in all its forms, was something she could earn, but also something she could give to others.
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