Word
disapprove
Phoneticsdis·ap·prove, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪsəˈpɹuv/
UK/dˌɪsɐpɹˈuːv/
Definition
v. to think that someone or something is bad, wrong, or not suitable. You usually use this when you do not like a choice or a behavior.
v. to have or express an unfavourable opinion. Intransitive; requires a prepositional complement to indicate the object of the negative judgement.
Examples
“My parents disapprove of my new haircut.”
“The committee members are likely to disapprove of the new budget proposal because it cuts funding for local schools.”
“While the public may disapprove of the celebrity's recent actions, legal experts argue that no specific laws were actually broken during the incident.”
Examples
simple
“My parents disapprove of my new haircut.”
contextual
“The committee members are likely to disapprove of the new budget proposal because it cuts funding for local schools.”
complex
“While the public may disapprove of the celebrity's recent actions, legal experts argue that no specific laws were actually broken during the incident.”
Usage
Intransitive verb; almost always takes the preposition 'of' before the object.
Pitfall
I disapprove the plan
I disapprove of the plan
Disapprove is an intransitive verb and requires the preposition 'of' to connect to its object.
Real-World Examples
“Yet even on the odd day my parents came to take over and give me a break, there was muttering and disapproving looks.” “Later on, Lomu’s marriages – all three – were to women of whom his family disapproved; and it becomes clear that some part of Lomu actively resented the constrictions of tradition.” Etymology
From dis- + approve.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/disapprove