What is approve? Pronunciation and usage in English

approve means . Learn how to pronounce and use approve through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of approve

approveverb

/əˈpruːv/
Definition & pronunciation of approve

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "approve" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /əˈpruːv/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. əˈ (uh-PROO):

    • ə – This is a short, unstressed "uh" sound, like in "about" or "sofa." It's a reduced vowel.
    • ˈ (prime symbol) – This indicates the primary stress of the word. It falls on the second syllable.
    • PROO – Rhymes with "too." The "oo" sound is similar to the "oo" in "food."

  2. ˈruv (ruv):

    • ruv – This is a quick, smooth "r-v" sound. It's almost like saying "ruh-v." Don't overemphasize the "r."

Putting it all together:

Think of it as: “uh-PROOF” (with a quick ‘v’ at the end).

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is crucially on the second syllable (“PROO”). If you put the stress on the first syllable (“AP-prove”), it's incorrect.
  • Short “uh”: Don't pronounce it as “a-prove.” It needs that reduced "uh" sound at the beginning.
  • Smooth "ruv": The 'ruv' part should be a single, flowing sound. Don't pause between them.

Resources to help you hear it:

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Usage and examples with the word approve in English

Let's break down how to use the word "approve" in English. It's a very common and versatile word, but it has slightly different nuances depending on how you're using it.

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage): To Give Permission or Agreement

This is the most frequent way to use "approve." It means to formally agree to something, often with a sense of giving permission or accepting it as satisfactory.

  • Formal Approval: "The board of directors approved the company's new marketing plan." (They officially agreed to it.)
  • Simple Approval: "I approve of your decision to volunteer." (I agree and think it’s a good choice.)
  • Approval of a Request: "She approved my request for a vacation day." (She granted me the day off.)
  • Formal Approval (Process): “The application was approved after a thorough review.” (The application met the criteria and was accepted).

2. As a Verb (To Officially Declare Something Acceptable)

Sometimes "approve" means to officially declare something acceptable or valid.

  • Legal Approval: “The judge approved the settlement agreement.” (The judge formally accepted the agreement.)
  • Quality Approval: “The product has been approved for sale.” (It’s been deemed good enough to be sold.)

3. As a Verb (To Give a Positive Reaction)

You can use "approve" to describe a feeling of liking or acceptance. However, this usage is becoming slightly less common and can sound a bit formal.

  • Expressing Enthusiasm: “I really approve of your design!” (I like it a lot.) – Less Common
  • Agreement (Informal): "I approve – let's do it!" (I agree, proceed!) - More Informal

4. As a Noun (Meaning Permission or Acceptance)

"Approval" is the noun form of "approve."

  • Seeking Approval: "I need your approval before I can submit the report." (I need you to give me permission.)
  • Having Approval: “The project received unanimous approval.” (Everyone agreed on it.)
  • The act of approving: "The process of approval takes several weeks."

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Form Meaning Example
Verb (main) To give permission or agreement "The committee will approve the budget."
Verb (formal) To officially declare something acceptable “The contractor sought approval for the plans.”
Verb (informal) To express liking/agreement (less common) “I approve of your idea!”
Noun Permission or acceptance “We need your approval."

Tips for Using "Approve" Correctly:

  • Formal vs. Informal: “Approve” is generally more formal than words like "agree," "like," or “okay.”
  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the context of the sentence to understand exactly what "approve" means in that situation.
  • Alternatives: Sometimes, words like “grant,” “authorize,” "license," or “ratify” might be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Do you want me to:

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Synonyms for the word approve

Practice with vocabulary approve

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The board decided to ________ the new project proposal after a lengthy discussion.
  2. She didn’t ________ of his decision to quit his job without a backup plan.
  3. The manager will likely ________ the budget if it aligns with the company’s goals.
  4. I _______ the idea of working remotely, but I think we need more structure to make it effective.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words means to give official permission or consent?
    a) reject
    b) approve
    c) criticize
    d) ignore
  2. The committee will ________ the new policy during the meeting.
    a) disapprove
    b) enforce
    c) approve
    d) delay
  3. Which word best fits the sentence: "The teacher did not ________ of the student’s late submission."
    a) agree
    b) approve
    c) reject
    d) ignore
  4. The team leader was hesitant to ________ the plan because it lacked detail.
    a) evaluate
    b) endorse
    c) approve
    d) consider
  5. Which of the following is NOT a synonym for "approve"?
    a) sanction
    b) authorize
    c) oppose
    d) ratify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The supervisor gave her consent to the revised schedule.
  2. The committee did not agree with the proposed changes.
  3. The principal authorized the use of the auditorium for the event.

Answers:

Exercise 1:

  1. approve
  2. approve
  3. endorse
  4. support

Exercise 2:

  1. b) approve
  2. c) approve
  3. b) approve
  4. c) approve
  5. c) oppose

Exercise 3:

  1. The supervisor approved the revised schedule.
  2. The committee did not approve the proposed changes.
  3. The principal approved the use of the auditorium for the event.

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