approbation
Americannoun
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approval; commendation.
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official approval or sanction.
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Obsolete. conclusive proof.
noun
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commendation; praise
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official recognition or approval
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an obsolete word for proof
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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."
Vocabulary lists containing approbation
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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Grade 11, List 4
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Things Fall Apart
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
"Approbation from Sir Hubert Stanley!" purred the Colonel, evidently much gratified.
From Mr. Punch's Golf Stories by Various
Mr. Pasquin, the Public know they have Follies, as well as Individuals; and, so far from being Angry with the Man, who ridicules them, they always reward him with Approbation and Esteem.
From The Covent Garden Theatre, or Pasquin Turn'd Drawcansir by Macklin, Charles
And among many Books and Pamphlets that mention his Works, I have yet seen none that does it without great Value and Approbation.
Approbation of the report for planting of the Kirks of Edinburgh.
From The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland by Church of Scotland. General Assembly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
