ENGLISH
REFERENCE

approving

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈpɹuvɪŋ// UK //ɐpɹˈuːvɪŋ// ap·prov·ing

adj. showing that you agree with or support something. You use it to describe a look, a comment, or a decision that says 'yes'.

adj. expressing agreement, support, or satisfaction with a person, action, or proposal. Often used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb.


SIMPLE

She gave me an approving nod.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager gave an approving comment on the new design.

COMPLEX

The committee issued an approving report, noting that the project had met all safety standards and stayed within budget.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The adjective is often used attributively before nouns like 'look', 'smile', 'nod', or 'comment'.

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