approbation

American  

[ap-ruh-bey-shuhn] / ˌæp rəˈbeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. approval; commendation.

2. official approval or sanction.

3. Obsolete. conclusive proof.

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approbation British  

/ ˌæprəˈbeɪʃən /

noun

1. commendation; praise

2. official recognition or approval

3. an obsolete word for proof

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Other Word Forms

• approbative
  adjective
• preapprobation
  noun
• self-approbation
  noun
• subapprobation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of approbation

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin approbātiōn- (stem of approbātiō ). See approbate, -ion

Explanation

Approbation is a formal word for approval or praise. Approbation is like getting the nod in a big way. Politicians rely on the public’s approbation to get elected. How is it possible that approbation means approval when probation is a form of being in trouble? Probation is a testing period, to see if you can be good. Approbation means it's all good. Or you can remember this rhyme: "Filled with approbation, the audience gave a standing ovation."

Example Sentences

Two groups in the upper left, "The Approbation of the Grateful Masses" and "The Invocation of Camelot" are abraded and blistered beyond repair.

From Time Magazine Archive

On the Governor's concluding the Speech, the solemn Cry by Way of Approbation was repeated by the Indians, as many Times as there were Nations present; and then Canassateego rose up and spoke.

From The History of the Five Indian Nations of Canada Attachments and Support Papers by Colden, Cadwallader

"Approbation from Sir Hubert Stanley!" purred the Colonel, evidently much gratified.

From Mr. Punch's Golf Stories by Various

Some time after, she made him President of the Academy of Sciences at Petersbourg, and sent him to this Court, where he discharges his Ministerial Office with universal Approbation.

From The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume I Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels from Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several Courts. by P?llnitz, Karl Ludwig von

This was all I could obtain, except some small Gifts as Tokens of his and my Mother's Love, when I embark'd again for New-York, now with their Approbation and their Blessing.—

From Benjamin Franklin Representative selections, with introduction, bibliograpy, and notes by Jorgenson, Chester E.