What is disapprove? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of disapprove

disapproveverb

/ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/
Definition & pronunciation of disapprove

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "disapprove." Here's a breakdown with a phonetic guide and some tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/dɪˈspɹoʊv/

Breakdown:

  • di-: Sounds like "dee" – as in "deep".
  • sprout-: Sounds like "sprow" - rhymes with “brow” (like the shape of your eyebrows). The “sp” makes a “sp” sound, not an “s” sound.
  • -prove: Sounds like "prove" – as in "prove it!"

Putting it together: dee-sprow-prove

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Emphasis: The stress is on the second syllable – "sprow." Say "dee" lightly, and then emphasize the "sprow" part.
  • "Sp" sound: Don't pronounce the "s" in "sprout." It’s a "sp" sound like in "speak."
  • "O" vowel: The "o" in "sprove" is a short “o” sound, like in “hot” or “pot”. Avoid a long "o" sound (like in "go").

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word disapprove in English

Let's break down how to use the word "disapprove" in English. It's a fairly common word, but it can be tricky to use correctly.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Disapprove" means to feel or express disapproval of something. It means you don't like it, think it's wrong, or believe it's not good.

2. How to Use It in Sentences:

Here are some examples, categorized by how you're expressing disapproval:

  • Expressing a personal feeling:

    • "I disapprove of his decision to quit his job." (I don’t like it; I think it was a bad idea.)
    • "She disapproved of the way he spoke to her." (She didn’t agree with how he spoke; she found it rude.)
    • "I disapprove of smoking." (I don't think it's a good habit.)

  • Stating an official or formal objection:

    • "The committee disapproved the funding request." (The committee rejected it.)
    • “The judge disapproved of the defendant’s plea bargain.” (The judge didn't agree with the deal.)
    • "The council disapproved the new development plan." (The council rejected the plan.)

  • Using it with phrases:

    • "I strongly disapprove of..." (Emphasizes your strong dislike) - "I strongly disapprove of his behavior."
    • "I don't approve of..." (A more polite way of expressing disapproval) - "I don’t approve of the noise."
    • "They disapproved of the action." (A passive voice construction – someone/something officially rejected it.)

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Object to: (Often more direct) – “I object to your suggestion.”
  • Dislike: (More casual) – “I dislike the color.”
  • Reject: (Often used for decisions or proposals) – "The board rejected the proposal."
  • Criticize: (More focused on pointing out flaws) – "He criticized her performance."
  • Deplore: (Expresses strong condemnation) – “I deplore the violence.”

4. Important Notes:

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Disapprove" is generally considered a more formal word than "dislike." “Don’t approve” is more commonly used in everyday conversation than "disapprove."

  • Context is Key: The specific meaning of "disapprove" depends on the context. Is it a personal opinion, a formal decision, or a general statement?

  • Why "Dis-": The prefix "dis-" usually means "not" or "opposite of." So, "disapprove" means "not approve."

Example Combining Elements:

"The school board strongly disapproved of the student’s disruptive behavior, leading to a suspension." (Formal, strong objection, and a consequence.)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "disapprove"? (e.g., writing an essay, talking to a friend, etc.)
  • What are you trying to disapprove of specifically?

Synonyms for the word disapprove

Practice with vocabulary disapprove

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. Many parents generally ______ of excessive screen time for their children, preferring more outdoor activities.
  2. The ethics committee will certainly ______ of any research practices that violate patient privacy.
  3. The board decided to ______ the merger proposal, citing unresolved financial discrepancies.
  4. Despite extensive negotiations, the two parties failed to ______ a consensus on the final terms.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select all appropriate words or phrases that complete the following sentences. There may be more than one correct answer for each question.

  1. The university faculty members generally ______ the proposal to significantly reduce arts funding. A) approve B) endorse C) disapprove of D) support
  2. The environmental advocacy group stated they would ______ any plans to expand industrial drilling in protected wilderness areas. A) oppose B) endorse C) disapprove of D) back
  3. Many citizens openly ______ the government's unilateral decision to raise taxes without prior public consultation. A) embraced B) welcomed C) disapprove of D) agreed with
  4. Due to a critical software flaw, the technology company had to ______ millions of their latest smartphone models from the market. A) recall B) accept C) permit D) release
  5. It is crucial to ______ your colleagues with respect, even when you fundamentally disagree with their viewpoints. A) deal B) treat C) act D) manage

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences as instructed, ensuring they maintain their original meaning.

  1. The community did not approve of the new construction project near the historic landmark. (Rewrite using a form of "disapprove")
  2. My parents always frowned upon me staying out late on school nights. (Rewrite using "disapprove")
  3. The CEO said he would not accept the proposal that lacked financial viability. (Rewrite using a single verb that is NOT "disapprove" or "accept")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many parents generally disapprove of excessive screen time for their children, preferring more outdoor activities.
  2. The ethics committee will certainly disapprove of any research practices that violate patient privacy.
  3. The board decided to reject the merger proposal, citing unresolved financial discrepancies.
  4. Despite extensive negotiations, the two parties failed to reach a consensus on the final terms.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) disapprove of
  2. A) oppose, C) disapprove of
  3. C) disapprove of
  4. A) recall
  5. B) treat

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The community expressed its disapproval of the new construction project near the historic landmark.
  2. My parents always disapproved of me staying out late on school nights.
  3. The CEO said he would reject the proposal that lacked financial viability.

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