What is approval? Pronunciation and usage in English

approval means . Learn how to pronounce and use approval through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of approval

approvalnoun

/əˈpruːvl/
Definition & pronunciation of approval

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "approval" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

/əˈpruː.ər.əl/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • əˈ (uh-): This is a short, unstressed “uh” sound. It's like the “a” in “about.”
  • pruː (pru-oo): This is the most important part. It's a long “oo” sound, similar to the “oo” in “moon” or “blue.” The “r” in this syllable is not pronounced, it’s just there to link the syllables.
  • ər (er): This is a short “er” sound, like the “er” in “her.”
  • əl (uhl): This is a very short, unstressed “uhl” sound, almost silent.

Putting it together: Uh-pru-oo-er-uhl

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: “pruː.”
  • Long “oo”: Really focus on that long “oo” sound – don’t rush it.
  • Don't pronounce the ‘r’ in ‘pr-’: It's a linking 'r', not a true 'r' sound.

Resources to hear it:

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Usage and examples with the word approval in English

Let's break down how to use the word "approval" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. As a Noun (the core meaning):

  • Definition: Approval means the state of being officially or generally accepted or agreed upon; permission or consent. It's about having something endorsed or validated.

  • Examples:

    • "He needs approval from his boss before he can go on vacation." (Permission)
    • "The project received approval from the committee." (Official acceptance)
    • "I'm waiting for approval on my application for a loan." (A formal process of acceptance)
    • "She gave her father her approval for the new haircut." (General agreement/acceptance)
    • "The government’s new policy received widespread approval." (Public support)

2. As a Verb (to seek or give approval):

  • Definition: To approve; to grant permission; to consent.

  • Examples:

    • "He approved the design changes." (He gave his permission.)
    • "The board will approve the budget next week." (They will formally agree to it.)
    • "I need to approve your request before it can be processed." (I need to give my consent.)
    • "She approved of his decision." (She agreed with it.)

3. Phrases Using "Approval":

  • Seek approval: (To ask for permission.) “I need to seek approval from my team before moving forward.”
  • Lack of approval: (The absence of acceptance.) “There was a lack of approval for the proposed development."
  • General approval: (Widespread agreement.) "The new law enjoyed general approval among the public."
  • Formal approval: (Official authorization.) "We require formal approval before commencing work."
  • Conditional approval: (Approval with specific conditions.) "The loan received conditional approval – we need to see a more detailed financial statement."

4. Different Types of Approval:

  • Formal Approval: This happens through official processes – like a committee, a supervisor, or a legal authority.
  • Informal Approval: This is a simple agreement or acceptance from a friend, family member, or colleague.
  • Implied Approval: Sometimes, someone’s behavior or attitude indicates their approval without them explicitly saying it.

Tips for Using "Approval" Correctly:

  • Context is King: Pay attention to the situation to understand what kind of approval is being discussed.
  • Consider Alternatives: Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider words like: consent, permission, agreement, acceptance, endorsement, validation, authorization, ratification.

Could you tell me more about how you want to use "approval" so I can give you a more tailored explanation? For example:

  • Are you writing a sentence?
  • Are you trying to understand how it’s used in a particular situation?

Practice with vocabulary approval

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee gave their __________ after reviewing the proposal carefully.
  2. She awaited her manager’s __________ before proceeding with the project.
  3. He expressed his __________ for the new policy during the meeting.
  4. The team’s decision was met with widespread __________ from the stakeholders.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best fits the sentence: "The board’s __________ was necessary to finalize the deal."
    a) approval
    b) agreement
    c) permission
    d) disagreement

  2. What does the word "endorsement" mean in this sentence: "The celebrity’s endorsement boosted the product’s sales"?
    a) disapproval
    b) support
    c) criticism
    d) refusal

  3. Which of the following words can replace "consent" in this sentence: "The patient gave their __________ for the surgery"?
    a) approval
    b) denial
    c) objection
    d) rejection

  4. In the sentence, "The teacher’s __________ was crucial for the field trip to proceed," which word is most appropriate?
    a) approval
    b) rejection
    c) hesitation
    d) disagreement

  5. What is the antonym of "approval"?
    a) disagreement
    b) support
    c) agreement
    d) endorsement


Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "The manager agreed to the new schedule."
    Rewrite: __________

  2. Original: "Her boss supported her decision to take on the project."
    Rewrite: __________

  3. Original: "The committee rejected the proposal without hesitation."
    Rewrite: __________


Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. approval
  2. approval
  3. support
  4. agreement

Exercise 2:

  1. a) approval
  2. b) support
  3. a) approval
  4. a) approval
  5. a) disagreement

Exercise 3:

  1. "The manager gave her approval for the new schedule."
  2. "Her boss gave her approval to take on the project."
  3. "The committee disapproved of the proposal without hesitation."

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