Disapprove: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：not approve (disapprove)

disapprove 🔊

/ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/

To not agree with something or someone; to think something is bad or wrong.

Disapprove meaning illustrated by parents disapproving of child's drawing, showing facial expressions and body language.

not approve 🔊

➕

/nɒt əˈpruːv/

To hold or express an unfavorable opinion about something; to consider something wrong or unacceptable.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Prefix 'dis-' (opposite/not) + 'approve' (Latin 'approbare', to prove).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'dis' (like slang for disrespect) + 'approve'. To 'dis-approve' is to NOT approve.

📖 Example

My parents disapprove of my decision to study art instead of medicine. 🔊 My parents do not agree with my choice to pursue art over medicine.

🔗 Collocations

disapprove of – to have an unfavorable opinion about someone or something

strongly disapprove – to very much disagree with or condemn

publicly disapprove – to express one's disagreement openly

🔄 Synonyms

condemn (v.) – To express complete disapproval, typically in public; suggests strong moral censure.

denounce (v.) – To publicly declare something to be wrong or evil.

object to (v.) – To express or feel opposition, dislike, or disapproval.

🚫 Antonyms

approve (v.) – To have a favorable opinion of someone or something.

endorse (v.) – To declare one's public approval or support of.

support (v.) – To give approval, comfort, or encouragement to.

🌱 Derivatives

disapproval (n.) – The expression of an unfavorable opinion.

disapprovingly (adv.) – In a manner expressing disapproval.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'dis-' (expressing negation) and 'approvare' (to approve). The word entered English to formally express a judgment against something, often used in official, parental, or societal contexts to denote withheld consent or favor.