approve

Approve is a verb meaning to regard something as acceptable or satisfactory and to give formal permission or consent for its proceeding or execution. It implies endorsement by someone with the authority to do so. In legal and governmental contexts, to approve a bill, budget, regulation, or treaty means the responsible body has accepted it and allowed it to take effect. In business and administration, approvals are required for actions such as purchasing, expenditures, contracts, project plans, and personnel changes. In everyday use, one might approve of a decision or suggestion, meaning it is reasonable or agreeable.

In workflows and information systems, approval is a defined step. A document or request moves through a series of approvers who review criteria, verify compliance, and either approve, reject, or request revisions. Digital approvals often use electronic signatures or audit trails and may enforce deadlines, conditional requirements, or multi-party sign-offs. Approval statuses typically include pending, approved, rejected, or deferred.

Etymology: approve derives from Latin approbare “to prove or approve,” via Old French approuver, combining ad- “toward” and probare “to test.” The noun form is approval; the person granting permission is an approver or approving authority.

See also: authorize, sanction, consent, ratification, validation, sign-off.