approbate

American  

[ap-ruh-beyt] / ˈæp rəˌbeɪt /

verb (used with object)

approbated, approbating

1. to approve officially.

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approbate British  

/ ˈæprəˌbeɪt /

verb

1. Scots law to accept as valid

2. Scots law to accept part of a document and reject those parts unfavourable to one's interests

3. to sanction officially

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Other Word Forms

• approbator noun

Etymology

Origin of approbate

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin approbātus approved (past participle of approbāre ), equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ + probātus proved; probate

Example Sentences

Not that he would approbate the system of slavery; for he was, and in fact had been through life, its most determined foe.

From Life and Public Services of John Quincy Adams Sixth President of the Unied States by Seward, William Henry

While throughout the world you rove, Thus uphold your banners; Give these reasons why you prove Hearts of men and manners: "To reprove the reprobate, Probity approving, Improbate from approbate To remove, I'm moving."

From Wine, Women, and Song Mediaeval Latin Students' songs; Now first translated into English verse by Symonds, John Addington

Gracious knows, I don't approbate coarseness, it shocks me, but narvous sensibility makes me sick.

From Nature and Human Nature by Haliburton, Thomas Chandler

Then if cunning Latin books were translate Into English, well correct and approbate, All subtle science in English might be learned, As well as other people in their own tongues did.

From A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 1 by Hazlitt, William Carew

Aceldama   A place with dreadful associations. animadversion   Strong criticism. approbate   Sanction officially; authorize. arbitrament   Arbitrating; arbitration.

From Life and Public Services of John Quincy Adams Sixth President of the Unied States by Seward, William Henry