approval
noun (countable)
UK/əˈpruː.vəl/US/əˈpruː.vəl/
Official permission or sanction for something.
Example Sentences
They obtained approval from the city council to build the new community center.
The project cannot begin without official approval from the regulatory body.
She needed her boss's approval before making any significant changes.
The merger received final approval after months of negotiations.
The university granted approval for the new research initiative.
He waited for his parents' approval before accepting the job offer.
The construction plan was submitted for approval to ensure it met all safety standards.
Without the necessary approvals, the event could not proceed as planned.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
The act or state of formally agreeing or giving the go-ahead.“Approval” highlights the point at which an individual or group grants permission or endorses a decision, proposal, or action. In many contexts—such as a workplace setting—a manager’s or director’s approval is essential before a budget is allocated or a project can move forward. You might say, “We need the board’s approval on the new policy,” indicating their formal consent is mandatory. On a personal level, seeking someone’s approval often reflects a desire for validation—like a teen wanting parental consent to attend an event, or a friend asking if their idea for a trip is acceptable to the group. Whether procedural or emotional, “approval” carries an inherent sense of authoritative agreement that something is acceptable, correct, or ready to proceed. Sometimes approval involves a specific process: completing forms, passing inspections, or meeting criteria (e.g., a loan application, a visa request, a licensing procedure). Once approval is granted, it signifies that the necessary checks or considerations have been satisfied. In casual usage, you might say, “I got Mom’s approval to use the car,” while in formal or professional contexts, you’d hear phrases like “The contract is awaiting legal approval.” Overall, “approval” indicates a green light—official, social, or personal—for moving ahead with a plan or endorsing someone’s actions.
Alternatives
In place of “approval,” you might use words like “consent,” “endorsement,” or “go-ahead,” each with subtle differences. “Consent” emphasizes permission or agreement, often for personal or legal matters (e.g., “parental consent”). “Endorsement” highlights public support or recommendation, like a respected figure backing a product or cause. “Go-ahead” is more casual, focusing on the informal signal to proceed. For more official language, “authorization” underscores official power granted to an individual or process. Terms like “sanction” also carry a formal sense but can sometimes imply punitive measures, depending on context. Each alternative reflects a level of acceptance or support, so choosing one over another depends on tone, emphasis, and domain.
Writing
When writing about “approval,” ensure readers grasp who is granting it and what process or conditions are involved. For instance, in a corporate memo, you might note that “Final budget approval requires the CFO’s signature,” clarifying both the authority (CFO) and the necessary step (signature). In academic or research contexts, “approval” might link to ethics committees or peer review boards, meaning the project can’t begin unless those bodies deem it acceptable. If your writing concerns policy or governance, you could outline the multi-step path to approval—like legislative bills that pass through various committees before becoming law. In persuasive essays or proposals, establishing why you deserve approval is key; you might list benefits, data-driven arguments, or endorsements from credible figures. Clarity on the rationale and criteria behind approval makes your text more transparent, indicating exactly how decisions are reached and validated.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “approval” tends to pop up around personal relationships or small-group decisions. For instance, “I’m waiting for my roommate’s approval before we adopt a pet,” suggests you need a collective green light. Friends might say, “I need your approval on this outfit,” half-jokingly seeking validation or fashion advice. If someone jokes about “never getting Dad’s approval,” it might point to a deeper wish for recognition. Casual references to approval often revolve around reassurance or collaborative decisions. You might also hear phrases like, “Check with the group chat for approval,” underscoring that everyone’s input or acceptance is needed before finalizing plans. This usage highlights how, on a smaller scale, approval functions as a sign of respect and shared decision-making, ensuring no one feels left out or overruled.
Etymology
“Approval” stems from the verb “approve,” which has roots in Middle English “approuen,” derived from Old French “aprover,” meaning “to assent to” or “to prove.” This ultimately ties back to Latin “approbare”—combining “ad-” (to) plus “probare” (to test, prove). Historically, “approve” indicated confirming the worthiness or correctness of something, following a test or evaluation. Over centuries, the notion of endorsement or agreement solidified, giving rise to the modern sense of “approval” as a formal go-ahead or supportive acceptance. Whether in ancient legal judgments, medieval guild certifications, or contemporary corporate sign-offs, the process of validating and accepting remains at the core of the term’s meaning.
