English Reference
adjective

approved

adj.
US /əˈpɹuvd/ UK /ɐpɹˈuːvd/ ap·proved

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    officially accepted as being good enough or correct.

    having received official sanction or formal confirmation of adequacy.

    Simple

    You must use an approved helmet when riding a motorcycle in this city.

    In context

    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.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency ArchaicLiterary

    shown to be true or good through experience over a long time.

    demonstrated or proven effective through experience or trial.

    Simple

    The old doctor used approved methods that had worked for years.

    In context

    He was a man of approved valour, having served with distinction in several difficult campaigns.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is rare in modern speech; learners will mostly encounter it in 19th-century literature or historical texts.

Usage approved vaccine · approved vaccines · approved for use

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated