approbation

[ ap-ruh-bey-shuhn ]

noun

1. approval; commendation.
2. official approval or sanction.
3. Obsolete. conclusive proof.

approbation

/ ˌæprəˈbeɪʃən /

noun

1. commendation; praise
2. official recognition or approval
3. See proof
   an obsolete word for proof

Derived Forms

• ˈapproˌbative, adjective

Other Words From

• preap·pro·bation noun
• self-appro·bation noun
• subap·pro·bation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of approbation¹

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

Example Sentences

A commercial transaction does not confer ethical approbation on a customer.

From The Daily Beast

For them to take a name like that suggests not racism but approbation.

From The Daily Beast

There is a risk to all this approbation, of course, which is that we forget some of his failings.

From The Daily Beast

The word “provocative” is often a term of approbation; here it is clearly intended pejoratively.

From The Daily Beast

One of the things about elites is that they only care about the approbation of the members of their own elites.

From The Daily Beast

To lose a breath of the public approbation in his present state, were to give up fatally the only stay on which he rested.

From Project Gutenberg

This was a very strong expression of approbation, and an uncommonly hearty welcome from a person of Mr. Sikess temperament.

From Project Gutenberg

Many, therefore, who did not assent to all that the King had said, joined in a loud hum of approbation when he concluded.

From Project Gutenberg

There he saw the ceremony of ordination performed, and expressed warm approbation of the Anglican ritual.

From Project Gutenberg

Shall he use any means to make his pleasure known, of which men, by giving obedience, will not testify their approbation?

From Project Gutenberg