Approving

/əˈpruːvɪŋ/

adjectiveBeginnerCommonLegal

Definitions

1

Showing or expressing approval or agreement.

/əˈpruːvɪŋ/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
Legal

Showing or expressing approval

His approving glance showed his support.

💡 Simply: Happy with something.

More Examples

2

The teacher gave an approving smile to the student's answer.

How It's Used

General

"She gave him an approving nod."

From the verb "approve", ultimately derived from Old French "aprouver", meaning "to prove, to confirm."

The word has maintained its positive connotation throughout its history.

Memory tip

Think of someone nodding approvingly – a positive gesture.

Base: approve
aprovingaprovving

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written