approval

[uh-proo-vuhl]

noun

1. the act of approving; approbation.

2. formal permission or sanction.

3. Philately.,  one of a group of selected stamps sent by a dealer to a prospective customer for examination and either purchase or return.

approval

/ əˈpruːvəl /

noun

1. the act of approving

2. formal agreement; sanction

3. a favourable opinion; commendation

4. (of articles for sale) for examination with an option to buy or return

Other Word Forms

• nonapproval noun
• preapproval noun
• proapproval adjective
• reapproval noun
• self-approval noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of approval¹

First recorded in 1680–90; approve + -al ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on approval, without obligation to buy unless satisfactory to the customer upon trial or examination and, otherwise, returnable.

   We ship merchandise on approval.

see on approval; seal of approval.

Example Sentences

The Doge-directed layoffs and programme cuts were largely unpopular, according to public-opinion surveys, causing a drag on the president's approval ratings.

From BBC

Now he’s hoping for approval from Washington’s wildlife agency to release stars in a small urchin barren developing on the west side of the island where his lab is located.

From Los Angeles Times

His approval ratings are already in the tank, and this is unlikely to help.

From Salon

Both projects need final approval from the city before work can begin.

From Los Angeles Times

The Western Trust had said it intended to start building last year, subject to departmental approval and allocation, but no construction work has happened.

From BBC

Related Words

• blessing 
• confirmation 
• consent 
• endorsement 
• go ahead 
• green light 
• license 
• mandate 
• permission 
• ratification 
• recommendation 
• sanction 
• support