English Reference
noun

approval

n.
US /əˈpɹuvəɫ/ UK /ɐpɹˈuːvəl/ ap·proval UK spelling approval's, approval's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    official permission or agreement for something to happen.

    formal permission or sanction granted by an authority or governing body.

    Simple

    The city council gave its final approval for the new park project.

    In context

    The proposed merger is currently awaiting regulatory approval from the competition commission before the companies can proceed with the integration.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'give', 'get', or 'seek'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the feeling that you agree with something or think it is good.

    a favourable opinion or state of mind regarding a person, idea, or action.

    Simple

    She looked at her father, hoping to see a nod of approval.

    In context

    The manager's warm smile signaled her silent approval of the team's innovative approach to the problem.

    Usage

    Commonly follows the preposition 'of'.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical

    a system where you can look at a product before deciding to buy it.

    a commercial arrangement where goods are sent to a customer for examination before purchase or return.

    Simple

    The shop sent the expensive rug to the house on approval.

    In context

    The gallery agreed to provide the painting on approval, allowing the collector to see how the piece complemented her existing decor.

    Usage

    Almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase 'on approval'.

Usage approval ratings · require approval · approval rating

The decision will be subject to approval by a federal judge.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

The increases will only come into effect if they are given final approval later this year.

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd Proto-Italic *ad Proto-Italic *ad- Latin ad- Proto-Indo-European *per-der.? Proto-Indo-European *per-der.? Proto-Indo-European *pér Proto-Indo-European *-o Proto-Indo-European *pró Proto-Indo-European *pro-der. Proto-Indo-European *bʰuH-der. Proto-Italic *proβwos Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂yéti Proto-Italic *-āō Proto-Italic *proβwāō Latin probō Latin approbōder. Old French aproverbor. Middle English aproven English approve Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālisbor. Old French -albor. ▲ Latin -ālis Old French -elbor. ▲ Latin -ālisbor. Middle English -al English -al English approval From approve + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated