Approve Definition

ə-pro͝ov

approved, approves, approving

verb

approved, approves, approving

To consent to officially or formally; confirm or sanction.

The Senate approved the treaty.

American Heritage

To give one's consent to; sanction; confirm.

Webster's New World

To give approval; have a favorable opinion (of)

Webster's New World

To consider right or good.

American Heritage

To be favorable toward; think or declare to be good, satisfactory, etc.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Origin of Approve

From Middle English aproven, appreven (“to prove”), Old French aprover (“to approve”), (French approuver), from Latin approbō, from ad + probō (“to esteem as good, approve, prove”). Compare prove, approbate.

From Wiktionary
Middle English appreven, approven from Old French aprover from Latin approbāre ad- ad- probāre to test (from probus good per¹ in Indo-European roots)

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Old French aprouer; a- + a form apparently derived from the pro, prod, in Latin prōsum (“be useful or profitable”). Compare with improve.

From Wiktionary