Reading Theme:
Approval: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：official permission (approval)
approval
/əˈpruːvəl/
n.
When someone in charge says ‘yes’ officially, allowing you to do something.
official permission
➕
/əˈfɪʃəl pərˈmɪʃən/
n.
Formal consent granted by an authority figure, allowing a specific action or decision.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'approve' (to agree) + suffix '-al' (indicating action or result).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'a prove all': when all is proven, approval is given.
📖 Example
Before we can launch the new product, we need approval from the company's legal department.
Prior to product launch, formal consent from the legal department is necessary.
🔗 Collocations
seek approval – to request official consent
grant approval – to give official permission
final approval – the last official consent needed
🔄 Synonyms
permission (n.) – consent or authorization to do something
consent (n.) – agreement or permission given voluntarily
authorization (n.) – official permission or power to do something
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'approbare' meaning 'to assent to'. Entered English via Old French. Crucial in modern legal and business contexts for formal consent.
Meaning 2：positive opinion (approval)
approval
/əˈpruːvəl/
n.
A good feeling or positive opinion you have about someone or something, showing that you like or agree with it.
positive opinion
➕
/ˈpɒzətɪv əˈpɪnjən/
n.
A favorable judgment or attitude towards someone or something, indicating agreement or liking.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She looked at her friend’s artwork with a smile of approval.
She expressed her liking for the artwork through a smiling gesture.
🔗 Collocations
nod of approval – a gesture showing agreement or satisfaction
seal of approval – official endorsement or acceptance
with approval – in a manner showing agreement or favor
🔄 Synonyms
endorsement (n.) – the act of giving support or approval
acclaim (n.) – public praise or approval
favor (n.) – approval or liking for someone or something
🚫 Antonyms
disapproval (n.) – the expression of dislike or disagreement
criticism (n.) – the expression of disapproval based on perceived faults
🌱 Derivatives
approve (v.) – to have a favorable opinion of something
approvingly (adv.) – in a manner showing approval
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser