approve

To approve means to officially agree to something, give permission for it, or express your positive opinion about it. It is more than just liking something; it often implies a level of authority or judgment. For example, a city council might approve a new building project, meaning they've reviewed the plans and given their official consent.

In everyday English, the pattern often helps: you usually approve a plan, request, or decision (you authorize it), but you approve of a person's choice or behavior (you think it is good or acceptable).

This action can be formal, like when a manager approves an employee's vacation request, or informal, like when you approve of your friend's new haircut. It suggests that something meets certain standards or expectations. You might say, "The committee unanimously approved the proposal," meaning everyone agreed it was good enough to move forward.

Sometimes, the concept is about seeking validation from others. A teenager might crave their parents' approval, wanting them to be proud of their accomplishments. This highlights the emotional aspect—the feeling of being accepted and valued.

It is important to note that while approve is the verb, the related noun is approval: "She sought his approval before making the decision." So whether it's granting permission, expressing satisfaction, or seeking validation, to approve is about acknowledging something positively and moving forward with agreement.