approval
UK[əˈpɹuːvəl]US[əˈpɷvəl]
n
the feeling of having a positive opinion of someone or something
n
official permission or agreement
Morpheme Breakdown
ap
prov
al
ap
to, towards
prov
to test, to prove, to approve
al
Etymology
the word 'approval' traces its lineage to latin, entering english via old french. its core component, 'prov-', originates from the latin verb 'probare', meaning 'to test, to prove worthy', which itself derives from the latin adjective 'probus' (good, honest). the prefix 'ad-' (to, towards) was assimilated to 'ap-' before the 'p' in 'prove'. the suffix '-al' was added to form a noun denoting the action or result. thus, the literal sense of 'moving towards proving something good' evolved into the modern abstract meanings of favorable opinion or formal consent.
Analysis
Structure: ap + prov + al
ap- (latin, variant of ad- meaning 'to, towards'), prov- (latin, from 'probare' meaning 'to test, to prove, to approve'), -al (latin, noun-forming suffix indicating an action or result)
Examples
the project cannot proceed without the manager's written approval.
she nodded her head in approval of the plan.
the new drug has finally gained approval from the regulatory authorities.