Word
approved
Phoneticsap·proved, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈpɹuvd/
UK/ɐpɹˈuːvd/
Definitions
01officially accepted
B1 · Intermediate
adj. officially accepted as being good enough or correct.
adj. having received official sanction or formal confirmation of adequacy.
“You must use an approved helmet when riding a motorcycle in this city.”
“The project cannot proceed until the committee provides an approved list of vendors who meet the new safety standards.”
Usage
Often used before a noun to describe equipment, methods, or people that meet a standard.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02proven by experience
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adj. shown to be true or good through experience over a long time.
adj. demonstrated or proven effective through experience or trial.
“The old doctor used approved methods that had worked for years.”
“He was a man of approved valour, having served with distinction in several difficult campaigns.”
Teaching tip
This sense is rare in modern speech; learners will mostly encounter it in 19th-century literature or historical texts.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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