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

"We have given them approval for a period of time," he told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Read more on BBC

The results pave the way for regulatory approval of the device and broader clinical use.

Read more on Science Daily

The company said it had filed for regulatory approval in 2024, following prescription-free trial sales of the pill the year before.

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These plans can help to streamline planning approvals - if a proposal fits the plan, it should get permission unless there is a strong reason to reject it.

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To speed approval of the overall map, the city enlisted the help of then-U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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