Approbation vs. Approval — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 3, 2024
Approbation connotes formal sanction or commendation, often used in literary or formal contexts, while approval signifies general agreement or favorable opinion, applicable in broader contexts.
Difference Between Approbation and Approval
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Approbation carries a sense of formal endorsement or high praise, typically reserved for contexts where formal or official recognition is conveyed. In contrast, approval is a more universally applied term, denoting acceptance or positive acknowledgment in a wide array of everyday situations.
The term approbation is often associated with a level of esteem or admiration that comes from a figure of authority or within a professional domain, suggesting a degree of prestige. Meanwhile, approval can be sought and given in both formal and informal settings, including personal relationships, indicating a broader and more accessible concept.
While approbation may imply a process or review that leads to formal recognition, approval can be more immediate and personal, reflecting a simpler and more direct expression of agreement or support. This distinction highlights how approbation is typically used in scenarios requiring a formal evaluation or acknowledgment.
In literary or sophisticated discourse, approbation is employed to elevate the language, imbuing it with a sense of gravity or significance. On the other hand, approval is a straightforward term that is easily understood and widely used, making it a go-to choice in everyday conversation and communication.
Despite their differences, both approbation and approval signify a positive reaction. However, the context in which they are used can greatly affect their implications, with approbation reflecting a more formal or esteemed acknowledgment, while approval denotes a general sense of agreement or satisfaction.
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Comparison Chart
Formality
High, often used in formal or literary contexts.
Broadly applicable, spanning formal and informal contexts.
Association
Esteem, official recognition, prestige.
General agreement, acceptance.
Usage
Reserved for formal endorsements or commendations.
Used in a wide range of everyday situations.
Implication
Implies a formal process or review.
More immediate and personal.
Context
Professional domains, authority figures.
Both formal and informal settings, personal relationships.
Compare with Definitions
Approbation
High praise from an authority.
Her novel won the approbation of critics across the country.
Approval
General agreement or consent.
The plan went ahead with the team's approval.
Approbation
Formal or official approval.
The project received the committee's approbation after a thorough review.
Approval
Positive acknowledgment in everyday situations.
His parents showed their approval of his career choice.
Approbation
Reflects esteem and admiration.
The apprentice's skillful work gained the master's approbation.
Approval
Used across various contexts.
She nodded in approval at the suggestion.
Approbation
Recognition with prestige.
The scientist's work earned him the approbation of the international community.
Approval
Signifies acceptance.
The proposal received unanimous approval from the board.
Approbation
Used in literary contexts.
The poet's latest work has garnered widespread approbation.
Approval
Immediate and personal.
The smile on her face was all the approval he needed.
Approbation
An expression of warm approval; praise.
Approval
The act or an instance of approving.
Approbation
Official approval.
Approval
An official approbation; a sanction.
Approbation
The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction; approval, sanction, commendation or official recognition.
Approval
Favorable regard; commendation.
Approbation
Proof; attestation.
Approval
An expression granting permission; an indication of agreement with a proposal; an acknowledgement that a person, thing, or event meets requirements.
I need to get an approval on this purchase order.
Approbation
The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction; approval; sanction; commendation.
Many . . . joined in a loud hum of approbation.
The silent approbation of one's own breast.
Animals . . . love approbation or praise.
Approval
An expression of favorable acceptance and encouragement; a compliment that also condones.
Words of approval never seem to come from him.
Approbation
Probation or novitiate.
This day my sister should the cloister enter,And there receive her approbation.
Approval
Something mailed by a seller to a collector to match their stated interests; the collector can approve of or return the item.
Approbation
Official approval
Approval
Approbation; sanction.
A censor . . . without whose approval n capital sentences are to be executed.
Approbation
Official recognition or approval
Approval
The formal act of giving approval;
He gave the project his blessing
His decision merited the approval of any sensible person
Approval
A feeling of liking something or someone good;
Although she fussed at them, she secretly viewed all her children with approval
Approval
Acceptance as satisfactory;
He bought it on approval
Approval
A message expressing a favorable opinion;
Words of approval seldom passed his lips
Common Curiosities
How can I use approbation in a sentence?
"The author's latest book received the approbation of the literary society, marking it as a significant achievement."
Is approbation always related to authority or prestige?
Typically, yes. Approbation usually involves some level of formal recognition or esteem, often from a figure of authority or within a prestigious context.
What is approbation?
Approbation is formal sanction or commendation, often carrying a sense of high praise or official recognition.
How does approbation differ from approval?
Approbation implies a more formal, esteemed acknowledgment, often in literary or professional contexts, while approval is a general expression of agreement or satisfaction applicable in a wide range of situations.
Can approval be considered informal approbation?
In a sense, yes. Approval can be seen as a less formal or prestigious form of positive acknowledgment compared to approbation.
How does social media influence the concept of approval?
Social media amplifies the concept of approval through likes, shares, and comments, making it a more visible and immediate form of positive acknowledgment.
Is it common to use approbation in everyday conversation?
No, approbation is more commonly used in formal, literary, or professional settings rather than in casual everyday conversation.
Can a person seek both approval and approbation?
Yes, a person might seek approval in a general sense from peers or family, while also aiming for approbation in a professional or formal setting for their achievements.
How can one earn approbation in a professional field?
Earning approbation in a professional field often involves demonstrating excellence, innovation, or leadership that gains formal recognition or high praise from authoritative bodies or figures.
Why might someone prefer approbation over approval?
Someone might prefer approbation over approval if they value formal recognition or prestige, particularly in professional or artistic endeavors, as it can carry more weight or significance in those contexts.
What contexts are most suitable for the use of approval?
Approval is suitable for a broad range of contexts, from personal relationships to formal board meetings, indicating its versatility.
Do approval and approbation have the same origin?
Both words stem from Latin origins related to proving or testing something to be good or worthy, though they have evolved to carry different connotations in modern usage.
Can a product or work of art receive approbation?
Yes, products or works of art can receive approbation, often in the form of awards, critical acclaim, or formal endorsements from prestigious organizations.
Which is stronger, approval or approbation?
While "stronger" may depend on context, approbation typically implies a higher level of esteem or recognition, making it potentially more significant in certain settings.
Is seeking approval a natural human behavior?
Yes, seeking approval is a natural human behavior, driven by a desire for social acceptance, validation, and positive reinforcement.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
