approbation

approbation

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Pronunciation

/ˌæp.rəˈbeɪ.ʃən/

• ap: /æp/ - The "a" is a short "a" as in "cat," followed by a "p" sound.

• pro: /prə/ - A "p" sound followed by a schwa sound (ə), which is a very short, unstressed vowel, and an "r" sound.

• ba: /beɪ/ - A "b" sound followed by the "ay" diphthong as in "say."

• tion: /ʃən/ - A "sh" sound as in "ship," followed by a nasal "n" sound.

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Word Form Variations

• Approbative (adjective): Expressing or conveying approval. Example: "He gave an approbative nod."

• Approve (verb): To express agreement with or give consent to. Example: "The manager approved the budget."

• Approved (past participle/adjective): Having received official agreement or consent. Example: "The approved plan."

• Approving (present participle/adjective): Expressing approval. Example: "She gave him an approving smile."

• Approver (noun): A person or entity that approves something. Example: "The board of directors acted as the final approver."

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun:

• Approbation: Formal or official approval; commendation.

• Synonyms: Approval, commendation, endorsement, praise, sanction, assent, acceptance, favor, blessing.

• Antonyms: Disapproval, condemnation, rejection, censure, dissent, objection, opposition, disapprobation.

Verb:

• Approve: To officially agree to or accept something; to express agreement with.

• Synonyms: Endorse, sanction, ratify, validate, accredit, concur, agree, support, champion.

• Antonyms: Reject, deny, veto, disapprove, object to, oppose, condemn, disallow.

Adjective:

• Approbative: Expressing or conveying approval.

• Synonyms: Approving, commendatory, laudatory, complimentary, favorable, supportive, encouraging.

• Antonyms: Disapproving, critical, condemnatory, unfavorable, negative, opposing.

• Approved: Having received official agreement or consent.

• Synonyms: Authorized, sanctioned, ratified, validated, certified, accepted, endorsed.

• Antonyms: Rejected, denied, vetoed, disapproved, unauthorized, uncertified.

• Approving: Expressing approval.

• Synonyms: Commendatory, encouraging, supportive, pleased, satisfied.

• Antonyms: Disapproving, critical, dissatisfied, disappointed.

Adverb:

• While there isn't a commonly used adverb form directly derived from "approbation," you could use phrases like "approvingly" (which is related to "approving" adjective) to convey a similar meaning.

• Approvingly: In a manner that expresses approval.

• Synonyms: Favorably, commendably, encouragingly, supportively.

• Antonyms: Disapprovingly, critically, negatively, unsympathetically.

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Examples of Use

Noun (Approbation):

• "The novel received widespread approbation from literary critics." (Example of general public discourse/book review)

• "The council's decision to build a new park met with general approbation from the residents." (Example of news reporting/local politics)

• "Seeking the approbation of her peers was a driving force in her artistic endeavors." (Example of fictional narrative/character development)

Verb (Approve):

• "The Senate is expected to approve the new trade agreement." (Example of news reporting/politics)

• "My manager approved my vacation request." (Example of everyday workplace communication)

• "The funding for the project was finally approved after months of delays." (Example of project management/business news)

Adjective (Approbative/Approved/Approving):

• "He gave her an approbative nod, signaling his agreement with her plan." (Example of fictional narrative/dialogue)

• "The approved budget allowed the team to move forward with the project." (Example of business communication/project update)

• "She cast an approving glance at her son as he received his award." (Example of everyday interaction/expressing positive sentiment)

Adverb (Approvingly):

• "The teacher smiled approvingly as the student correctly answered the question." (Example of classroom interaction/education)

• "The audience applauded approvingly after the performance." (Example of entertainment review/performance arts)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Approbation

1. “Do not trade integrity for approbation; the cost is too high.” (Unknown)

2. “My mentor said approbation fades, but character endures.” (Unknown)

3. “History shows that leaders chasing approbation lose conviction.” (Unknown)

4. “A poet wrote that love seeks understanding, not approbation.” (Unknown)

5. “Revolutions collapse when fueled by approbation instead of purpose.” (Unknown)

6. “Let your work earn quiet respect, not loud approbation.” (Unknown)

7. “A wise friend warned that approbation can be more dangerous than criticism.” (Unknown)

8. “Hope grows when we release the need for public approbation.” (Unknown)

9. “Progress is slowed when vision bows to approbation.” (Unknown)

10. “Success strengthened by approbation alone is fragile.” (Unknown)

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Etymology

Approbation" comes from Latin. It's built from three parts:

1. "ad": This prefix means "to" or "toward." Think of it like "add" – you're adding something to something else.

2. "probo": This is the Latin verb meaning "to prove," "to test," or "to approve." It's related to our word "probe."

3. "-atio": This is a suffix that turns a verb into a noun, often indicating an action, process, or result. It's similar to "-tion" in English.
   
   

So, if we put it all together: "ad-probo-atio" literally means "the action or result of proving/approving toward (something)."

The first known use of "approbation" in English was in the late 15th century. At that time, it carried much the same meaning as it does today: formal approval or commendation. It directly carried over the sense of the Latin root, indicating a judgment that something is good or worthy. It was used, and still is, in relatively formal contexts. You're more likely to see it in official documents, academic writing, or serious discussions than in everyday conversation.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Approbation

Phrases (using "approbation" directly, though not commonly established):

• "To earn/gain approbation:" This phrase is grammatically correct and understandable, meaning to receive approval or commendation. Example: "The artist worked tirelessly to earn the approbation of the critics."

• "With approbation:" This could be used to describe an action done with approval. Example: "The proposal was accepted with approbation from the board."

• "Meet with (general) approbation:" This phrase means to be widely approved. Example: "The new policy met with general approbation from the public."

Idioms with synonyms for similar effect (capturing the idea of approval):

• "To give (someone) the thumbs up:" This is a very common idiom for expressing approval.

• "To pat (someone) on the back:" This idiom means to praise someone for doing something well.

• "To give (someone) a standing ovation:" This signifies very strong approval or admiration.

• "To sing (someone's) praises:" This means to praise someone enthusiastically.

• "To be in (someone's) good graces:" This means to be favored or approved by someone.

• "To win (someone) over:" This means to gain someone's approval or support.

Original phrases/examples to illustrate potential use:

• "The quiet approbation in her eyes spoke volumes." (This uses "approbation" in a more figurative, literary way.)

• "He craved not just approval, but approbation – a true acknowledgment of his skill." (This highlights the formal and significant nature of "approbation.")

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of approbation from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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