Approve vs Disapprove: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to expressing our opinions about something, we often use the words approve and disapprove. But do we really know the proper use of these words? In this article, we will explore the meanings of approve and disapprove, and when to use each of them.

We should clarify the definitions of these words. Approve means to give permission or to agree with something, while disapprove means to express an unfavorable opinion or to withhold approval.

So, when we approve of something, we are in favor of it and give it our support. On the other hand, when we disapprove of something, we express our disagreement or dislike towards it.

Now that we have established the meanings of these words, let’s dive deeper into when to use each of them.

Define Approve

Approve is a verb that means to give one’s consent or agreement to something. It is an act of officially agreeing or accepting something, often after careful consideration or examination. Approval can be given for various reasons, such as to authorize an action, to endorse a proposal, or to express satisfaction with a decision or outcome.

For instance, a manager may approve a project proposal after evaluating its feasibility and potential benefits. A teacher may approve a student’s essay after assessing its quality and relevance to the topic. A customer may approve a product or service after using it and finding it satisfactory.

Define Disapprove

Disapprove is a verb that means to express or feel disapproval or dissatisfaction with something. It is an act of officially rejecting or opposing something, often because of disagreement, objection, or criticism. Disapproval can be given for various reasons, such as to protest against an action, to refute a claim, or to express disappointment with a decision or outcome.

For instance, a supervisor may disapprove a report after finding errors or inconsistencies in it. A parent may disapprove a child’s behavior after finding it inappropriate or disrespectful. A citizen may disapprove a government policy after finding it unjust or harmful.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in the message you are trying to convey. The words “approve” and “disapprove” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that should be used correctly to avoid confusion.

How To Use “Approve” In A Sentence

The word “approve” means to give formal or official permission for something. Here are some examples of how to use “approve” in a sentence:

• The board of directors approved the budget for the upcoming year.
• The city council approved the new zoning laws.
• The teacher approved the student’s proposal for the science fair project.

As you can see, “approve” is often used in formal situations where permission is being granted.

How To Use “Disapprove” In A Sentence

The word “disapprove” means to have an unfavorable opinion of something or to withhold approval. Here are some examples of how to use “disapprove” in a sentence:

• The parents disapproved of their daughter’s choice to drop out of college.
• The committee disapproved the proposal due to lack of funding.
• The boss disapproved of the employee’s behavior during the meeting.

As you can see, “disapprove” is often used in situations where a negative opinion is being expressed or approval is being withheld.

By using “approve” and “disapprove” correctly in your writing, you can ensure that your message is clear and concise.

More Examples Of Approve & Disapprove Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the differences between approve and disapprove, it is important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of using approve in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Approve In A Sentence

• The board of directors will approve the new budget at the next meeting.
• The teacher will approve the final draft of the essay before it is submitted.
• The city council voted to approve the construction of a new park.
• The bank will approve the loan application if the applicant meets the requirements.
• The committee will approve the proposed changes to the company’s bylaws.
• The manager will approve the employee’s time off request if it does not conflict with other schedules.
• The editor will approve the article for publication after it has been revised.
• The judge will approve the settlement agreement between the parties.
• The principal will approve the field trip if all necessary permissions have been obtained.
• The supervisor will approve the overtime hours if they were necessary to complete the project on time.

On the other hand, disapprove is used to indicate a negative judgment or rejection. Here are some examples of using disapprove in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Disapprove In A Sentence

• The board of directors will disapprove the proposal if it does not align with the company’s values.
• The teacher will disapprove the use of inappropriate language in the classroom.
• The city council voted to disapprove the rezoning of the residential area for commercial use.
• The bank will disapprove the loan application if the applicant has a poor credit score.
• The committee will disapprove the budget plan if it is not financially feasible.
• The manager will disapprove the employee’s request for a raise if it is not justified by performance.
• The editor will disapprove the article if it contains factual errors or plagiarism.
• The judge will disapprove the evidence if it was obtained illegally.
• The principal will disapprove the dress code violation if it is not in accordance with school policy.
• The supervisor will disapprove the use of unapproved materials in the construction project.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words like “approve” and “disapprove,” there are several common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, so it’s important to be aware of them and know how to avoid them in the future.

Using “Approve” And “Disapprove” Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “approve” and “disapprove” interchangeably. While these two words may seem similar, they actually have very different meanings. “Approve” means to give permission or consent, while “disapprove” means to withhold approval or express disapproval.

For example, if a project manager approves a proposal, it means they have given their permission for the proposal to move forward. On the other hand, if the project manager disapproves of the proposal, it means they do not support it and it will not move forward.

Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication, especially in a professional setting. It’s important to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.

Not Considering Context

Another common mistake is not considering the context in which “approve” and “disapprove” are being used. These words can have different connotations depending on the situation.

For example, if someone says they “approve” of a political candidate, it means they support them and their policies. However, if someone says they “disapprove” of a political candidate, it could mean they have a personal issue with the candidate, or they disagree with their policies.

It’s important to consider the context in which these words are being used to ensure that the intended meaning is clear.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind:

• Always consider the context in which “approve” and “disapprove” are being used.
• Use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.
• If in doubt, use a synonym or rephrase the sentence to ensure clarity.

By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your communication is clear and effective.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “approve” and “disapprove” is not always a straightforward decision, as the context in which they are used can greatly impact their meaning and connotation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following examples:

• Professional Setting: In a workplace setting, the word “approve” might be used to indicate that a project or proposal has been given the green light to proceed. On the other hand, “disapprove” might be used to indicate that a certain course of action is not recommended or should not be pursued.
• Personal Relationships: In personal relationships, the choice between “approve” and “disapprove” might depend on the specific situation. For example, if a friend asks for your opinion on a potential romantic partner, you might “disapprove” if you have concerns about the person’s character or behavior. However, you might “approve” if you believe the relationship has the potential to be healthy and fulfilling.
• Social Media: On social media platforms, the choice between “approve” and “disapprove” might refer to the action of “liking” or “disliking” a post or comment. In this context, “approve” might indicate agreement or support, while “disapprove” might indicate disagreement or disapproval.

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between “approve” and “disapprove” can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific context, the individuals involved, and the intended meaning or connotation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using approve and disapprove are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. It’s important to understand these exceptions to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication. Here are some examples:

1. Sarcasm Or Irony

In some cases, the words approve and disapprove can be used ironically or sarcastically to convey the opposite meaning. For instance, if someone says “I just love getting stuck in traffic,” they are likely being sarcastic and actually mean the opposite. Similarly, if someone says “I totally approve of your terrible haircut,” they are likely being ironic and actually disapprove of it.

2. Cultural Differences

Depending on the culture, the words approve and disapprove may have different connotations or meanings. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered impolite to directly express disapproval, so people may use euphemisms or indirect language instead. It’s important to be aware of these cultural differences to avoid misunderstandings.

3. Personal Opinion

Ultimately, whether to use approve or disapprove is often a matter of personal opinion. While there are some general rules and guidelines, there may be cases where different people have different preferences or interpretations. For example, some people may argue that it’s more appropriate to use disapprove when expressing a negative opinion, while others may prefer to use the word disagree.

Overall, while the rules for using approve and disapprove are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. By understanding these exceptions and using the words appropriately, you can ensure clear and effective communication.

Practice Exercises

As with any language skill, the best way to improve is through practice. Here are a few exercises to help you hone your understanding and use of the words approve and disapprove:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the appropriate word (approve or disapprove) to complete each sentence:

1. The board of directors will ________ the proposed budget at the next meeting.	________
2. The principal has the authority to ________ or ________ any new school policies.	________
3. The city council voted to ________ the new housing development.	________
4. The judge will ________ or ________ the plea bargain.	________
5. The coach ________ of the team’s new training regimen.	________

Answer Key:

1. approve

2. approve, disapprove

3. disapprove

4. approve, disapprove

5. disapprove

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence with the appropriate form of approve or disapprove:

1. The committee will __________ the proposal if it meets their standards.
2. If the project is not completed on time, the client will likely __________ of the delay.
3. It is unlikely that the board will __________ the new policy without further review.
4. The teacher will __________ of the students’ essays once they are submitted.

Answer Key:

1. approve
2. disapprove
3. approve
4. approve

By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of approve and disapprove in sentences. Keep in mind that context is key, and the appropriate word choice depends on the situation at hand.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “approve” and “disapprove,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in written and spoken communication.

Key Takeaways

• “Approve” means to give consent or agreement, while “disapprove” means to express a negative opinion or judgment.
• Both words can be used in various contexts, including personal relationships, business dealings, and political situations.
• It is important to consider the tone and connotation of each word when choosing which one to use.

By understanding the nuances of language use, we can improve our communication skills and avoid misunderstandings.

Continuing Learning

For those interested in further exploring the intricacies of grammar and language use, there are many resources available. Reading books on the subject, taking writing courses, and practicing writing regularly can all help to improve one’s language skills.

Resource	Description
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White	A classic guide to writing well, with tips on grammar, punctuation, and style.
Grammarly	An online tool that checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation in written communication.
Coursera	An online platform that offers writing courses from top universities and instructors.

By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can become more effective communicators and convey our ideas with clarity and precision.