Approbation
/ˌæprəˈbeɪʃən/
nounC1
Definition
Approbation is a formal word for approval or praise. It means that someone, often an important person or group, agrees with or accepts something and shows positive support. It can be used when talking about ideas, plans, or behavior that others think are good.
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See It in Action
Formal approval or praise from a person or group
- •The new law received approbation from the government officials.
- •Her work on the project earned the approbation of her manager.
- •The artist's performance was met with great approbation from the audience.
Acceptance or agreement, especially in a formal or official way
- •The plan gained approbation after careful review.
- •The committee gave its approbation to the proposal.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "approbation" like "approval" (A2 word), but more formal and official—like when a teacher or boss says "Well done" in an important way.
- ✓Picture someone nodding with a smile and clapping hands at a presentation to show they like it.
- ✓It's the feeling of pride and happiness when you get a certificate or a public "good job!"
- ✓Sounds like "ap-RO-bay-shun" → imagine a judge saying "Approved!" with a big stamp.
- ✓Think of a king or queen giving a medal—this is a formal kind of approval, not just a casual "OK."
- ✓NOT like "permission" (which means you are allowed to do something), approbation is more about praise and agreement.
- ✓NOT like "criticism" (which is negative), approbation is positive and supportive.
- ✓NOT like "compliment" (which can be casual), approbation is formal and often public or official.
Try Other Words
- •Approval: agreement that something is good or acceptable (Use when you want a simpler or more common word)
- •Praise: words or actions showing admiration (Use when focusing on expressing admiration rather than formal acceptance)
- •Endorsement: official support or approval (Use when a respected person or group publicly supports something)
- •Consent: permission to do something (Use when focusing on permission rather than praise or acceptance)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "approb-" (from Latin meaning "approve") + "-ation" (a suffix that turns verbs into nouns showing action or result)
- •Etymology: From Latin "approbatio," meaning approval or acceptance
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century, often in formal or legal language to mean official approval
- •Modern usage: Used mostly in formal writing or speech to describe official praise or acceptance, less common in everyday conversation
Reflect & Connect
•How does receiving approbation from others affect your confidence or motivation?
•Can approbation be given without real agreement, for example, to be polite? How would you recognize that?
Fill in the blanks
1.The manager gave approbation ___ the team's hard work, which motivated everyone to continue.
2.Receiving approbation from a respected teacher can ___ a student to study more.
3.Unlike criticism, approbation shows ___ feelings about someone's work or ideas.
4.The committee's approbation was needed ___ the project to start officially.
5.When someone gives approbation, they usually express it in a ___ and formal way.
6.Approbation often comes after careful ___ of plans or performances.
7.You might hear "with approbation" used to mean something is accepted ___ question or doubt.