disapprove

/ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv/ (ame, mw)

disapprove — verb

  • disapprovepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • disapproveshe / she / it
  • disapprovedpast simple
  • disapproving-ing form

1. to think that a person's behaviour, choice, or way of doing things is wrong or n

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to think that a person's behaviour, choice, or way of doing things is wrong or not suitable

例句

Nia's parents disapproved of her decision to study art instead of law.

disapprove of + noun phrase (decision)

The committee strongly disapproves of any behaviour that disrupts a meeting.

strongly disapproves of + behaviour

同義詞
  • object to

    stronger and more confrontational; used when someone actively expresses opposition

  • frown on

    more informal and idiomatic; suggests quiet disapproval rather than open protest

  • take a dim view of

    more formal, common in British English; implies a negative judgment based on principle

反義詞
  • approve of

    the direct opposite; positive judgment about someone or something

文法句型

disapprove + of + someone/something

用法筆記

Always requires the preposition 'of' before the object. Cannot be followed directly by a that-clause; use 'disapprove of the fact that…' instead.

常見錯誤

❌I disapprove smoking in public places.
✅I disapprove of smoking in public places.
💡this sense always needs 'of' before the object.
❌My parents disapproved that I stayed out late.
✅My parents disapproved of me staying out late.
💡'disapprove' does not take a that-clause; use 'of' + gerund instead.

2. when an official group or authority decides not to accept a request, plan, or pr

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

when an official group or authority decides not to accept a request, plan, or proposed action

例句

The planning board disapproved the building permit because it exceeded height limits.

disapprove + direct object (transitive)

Lan's application for a study visa was disapproved by the embassy.

passive: be disapproved by [authority]

同義詞
  • reject

    more common and versatile; used in both formal and informal contexts

  • turn down

    less formal; common in everyday speech about applications or offers

  • veto

    stronger; implies the power to block a decision, often in a political context

反義詞
  • approve

    to officially accept a request, plan, or proposal

  • authorize

    to give official permission for something

文法句型

disapprove + noun phrase

用法筆記

Transitive — takes a direct object with no preposition. Frequent in passive voice and in legal, administrative, and financial contexts. Distinct from sense 1, which always requires 'of'.

常見錯誤

❌The court disapproved of the merger.' (when meaning official rejection)
✅The court disapproved the merger.
💡sense 2 is transitive; 'of' is not used.
❌The bank disapproved my loan.' (when they simply had a negative opinion)
✅Use sense 1: 'The bank disapproved of my taking out such a large loan.
💡if the bank officially rejects the request, use sense 2.