DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
Ap·prove v. t. [imp. & p. p. Approved p. pr. & vb. n. Approving.]
1. To show to be real or true; to prove. [Obs.]
Wouldst thou approve thy constancy? Approve
First thy obedience. --Milton.
2. To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically.
Opportunities to approve . . . worth. --Emerson.
He had approved himself a great warrior. --Macaulay.
'T is an old lesson; Time approves it true. --Byron.
His account . . . approves him a man of thought. --Parkman.
3. To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm; as, to approve the decision of a court-martial.
4. To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of; as, we approve the measured of the administration.
5. To make or show to be worthy of approbation or acceptance.
The first care and concern must be to approve himself to God. --Rogers.
Note: ☞ This word, when it signifies to be pleased with, to think favorably (of), is often followed by of.
They had not approved of the deposition of James. --Macaulay.
They approved of the political institutions. --W. Black.
Ap·prov·ing, a. Expressing approbation; commending; as, an approving smile. -- Ap*prov*ing*ly, adv.
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approving
adj : expressing or manifesting praise or approval; "approbative
criticism" [syn: approbative, approbatory, plausive]
n : the formal act of giving approval; "he gave the project his
blessing"; "his decision merited the approval of any
sensible person" [syn: blessing, approval] [ant: disapproval]