Approval vs. Approve

Attribute	Approval	Approve
Definition	The act of officially agreeing or accepting something	To officially agree or accept something
Verb form	Approve	Approve
Noun form	Approval	N/A
Part of speech	Noun	Verb
Usage	Can be used as a noun or a verb	Primarily used as a verb

Definition

Approval and approve are two related terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Approval refers to the act of officially agreeing to or accepting something, while approve specifically means to give formal permission or consent to something. In essence, approval is the noun form of the verb approve.

Usage

Approval is typically used to describe the state of being accepted or endorsed by someone or a group of people. For example, a project may require approval from a supervisor before it can proceed. On the other hand, approve is used when someone in authority grants permission for something to happen. For instance, a manager may approve a budget for a new initiative.

Connotation

Approval often carries a positive connotation, as it implies that something has been deemed satisfactory or worthy of support. It can evoke feelings of validation and encouragement. Approve, on the other hand, is more neutral in connotation, simply indicating that permission has been granted without necessarily implying enthusiasm or endorsement.

Process

When seeking approval, one typically presents a proposal or request to a decision-maker for consideration. The decision-maker then evaluates the proposal and either grants or denies approval based on various criteria. Approving, on the other hand, involves making a conscious decision to give permission for something to proceed. This decision may be based on factors such as feasibility, compliance, or alignment with objectives.

Authority

Approval is often granted by someone in a position of authority, such as a supervisor, manager, or board of directors. This individual or group has the power to make decisions and give official endorsement to a particular course of action. Approve, similarly, is an action taken by someone with the authority to grant permission, whether it be a parent, teacher, or government official.

Implications

When something receives approval, it is seen as meeting certain standards or requirements set forth by the approving party. This can lead to increased credibility, trust, and support for the approved entity. On the other hand, when someone approves of a particular action or decision, it signifies their agreement or consent to that action, which can impact the outcome or consequences of that decision.

Legalities

Approval can have legal implications, as it often involves formal agreements or contracts that bind parties to certain terms and conditions. For example, obtaining approval from a regulatory body may be necessary to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Approve, on the other hand, may not always have legal ramifications, depending on the context in which it is used.

Emotional Impact

Approval can have a significant emotional impact on individuals, as it can validate their efforts, skills, or ideas. Receiving approval from others can boost self-esteem, motivation, and confidence. Approve, on the other hand, may not carry the same emotional weight, as it is more about granting permission or consent rather than providing validation or recognition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while approval and approve are closely related terms, they have distinct meanings and implications. Approval refers to the act of accepting or endorsing something, often with positive connotations, while approve specifically means to grant permission for something to happen. Understanding the differences between these two terms can help clarify communication and decision-making processes in various contexts.