approbative

Also ap·pro·ba·to·ry

[ap-ruh-bey-tiv, uh-proh-buh-]

adjective

1. approving; expressing approbation.

Other Word Forms

• approbativeness noun
• subapprobative adjective
• subapprobativeness noun
• subapprobatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of approbative¹

From the Medieval Latin word approbātīvus, dating back to 1605–15. See approbate, -ive

Example Sentences

"Ha!" said the stout man, and this time the exclamation was purely approbative.

From Project Gutenberg

He had both providence turning about the kingdom to him, and also the warrant of the Lord's approbative and preceptive will.

From Project Gutenberg

Approbativeness has its pole directly outward from these corners, and hence the approbative laugh does not turn the corners of the mouth upward, but draws them straight back, or outwardly.

From Project Gutenberg

You are sensitive, approbative, delicately organized; your whole nature inclines you to give way and yield to the nature of those around you.

From Project Gutenberg

He answered, "All power is ordained of God by his provident will, but every power assumed by man is not so by his approbative and preceptive will."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agreeable 
• benign 
• encouraging www.thesaurus.com
• positive 
• supportive 
• sympathetic