disapproves

Disapproves is the third-person singular present tense of the verb disapprove. To disapprove means to withhold approval or to hold a negative opinion about something, often on moral, ethical, or policy grounds. It is commonly followed by the preposition of, as in disapproves of something or disapproves of someone’s actions.

Usage and nuance: Disapprove expresses a normative judgment rather than a practical decision. It is suitable in formal and neutral contexts such as reporting, commentary, or formal meetings. It differs from synonyms like reject or condemn in nuance; disapprove can imply concern or disagreement without asserting an outright wrong or illegal action. Phrases such as “The council disapproves of the proposal” or “Many voters disapprove of the tactic” illustrate its typical use.

Related forms and terms: The noun form is disapproval, referring to the expression or feeling of not approving. Antonyms include approve, endorse, and authorize. Common collocations include disapprove of, strongly disapprove of, and publicly disapprove of, which emphasize the degree or public nature of the stance.

Context and tone: Disapproval can signal social or institutional norms, affect interpersonal dynamics, and influence decisions through argument, debate, or formal votes. The word remains neutral in definition but can carry a variety of connotations depending on tone, context, and the strength of expressed opinion.