approbation

IPA/ˌæprəˈbeɪʃn/
KK[ˌæprəbˈeʃən]IPA/ˌæprəˈbeɪʃn/

approbation — noun

1. praise and public approval that is shown toward someone or something, especially

1.nounC1
Definition

praise and public approval that is shown toward someone or something, especially when it comes from an official body, a group of experts, or people in positions of authority.

Example

The board voted to express its approbation of the new marketing plan.

express + approbation of [plan/proposal]

Shirin smiled with pride at the approbation in her teacher's voice.

approbation in someone's voice/tone

Common collocations
  • express approbation
  • win approbation
  • receive approbation
  • seek approbation
  • earn approbation
  • public approbation
  • official approbation
  • approbation of the committee
  • approbation of the board
  • nod of approbation
Synonyms
  • approval

    less formal than approbation; the everyday word for expressing that something is accepted or satisfactory

  • praise

    focuses on spoken or written admiration rather than formal endorsement

  • acclaim

    stronger and more public than approbation; often used for artistic or popular achievements

  • commendation

    similar register to approbation; often refers to a formal statement of praise

Antonyms
  • disapproval

    the opposite of approval; a negative judgment

  • criticism

    a negative evaluation rather than the absence of praise

  • condemnation

    much stronger; a public statement that someone or something is wrong or bad

Usage Note

Frequently used in formal written contexts — in everyday conversation, 'approval' or 'praise' is far more common. The word often appears with a noun or noun phrase specifying the source of authority (board, committee, panel, supervisor).

Common Mistakes

I need your approbation on this document before I send it.
I need your approval on this document before I send it.
'approbation' is too formal for routine office requests; use 'approval'.
The teacher expressed her approbation of my homework.
The teacher expressed her approval of my homework.
'approbation' sounds unnatural in informal classroom praise; use 'approval' or 'praise'.

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • express approbation
  • win approbation
  • receive approbation
  • seek approbation
  • earn approbation
  • nod of approbation
  • smile of approbation

Prepositions

Etymology

First known use

14th century

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2