Comparisons Wiki

Approval vs. Approvement: Difference and Comparison

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 4, 2023
Approval is a widely accepted term meaning official consent or sanction, while approvement is a less common word often meaning the act of improving or bettering.
Approval vs. Approvement

Difference Between Approval and Approvement

Approval is a noun derived from the verb "approve." It denotes the act of officially agreeing to or accepting something as satisfactory. In various contexts, from business decisions to personal relationships, the term signifies a positive affirmation or endorsement. On the other hand, approvement isn’t as commonly used in modern English. When it is, it typically references the action of improving or making something better.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Approval has its roots in Middle English and comes from the Old French "aprover." It's commonly used in legal, business, and personal contexts to denote consent or endorsement. For instance, a new policy might require the approval of senior management before being implemented. Though, approvement historically used in similar contexts to mean approval, has since evolved. Its usage now leans more towards the notion of enhancement or betterment, though it's seldom used in contemporary English.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Both words share a similar linguistic lineage, originating from Old French. However, approval is a staple in everyday vocabulary, used to express assent or confirmation. For example, a person might seek their supervisor's approval before taking a day off. While, approvement occasionally spotted in older texts or formal documents, might confuse modern readers due to its rarity. It would generally be better understood in contexts related to improvement.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
In many contexts, using approval is the safer bet because of its familiarity and clear meaning. If you are in a situation where you are describing the act of consenting or agreeing to something, "approval" is the go-to term. Whereas, approvement due to its less frequent use, might require additional context or clarification in communication, especially if referring to its archaic meaning related to approval.
Jonathan
Sep 04, 2023

Approval vs. Approvement Comparison Chart

Primary Meaning

Official consent or endorsement
Act of improving or bettering
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Commonness of Use

Widely used
Less common
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Origin

Derived from Old French "aprover"
Derived from Old French "aprover," evolved meaning
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Example of Use

"The project received the director's approval."
"The software saw major approvement in its latest update."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Associated Verb

Approve
Improve (by loose association)
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Approval vs. Approvement Definitions

Approval

The act of agreeing that something is satisfactory.
The final report is pending approval from the board.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Approvement

An enhancement or betterment.
We saw significant approvement in the software’s performance.
Elijah
Sep 04, 2023

Approval

A positive feeling of admiration or favor.
His innovative thinking gained him much approval among peers.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Approvement

A positive change or correction.
The revisions were an approvement to the original draft.
Olivia
Sep 04, 2023

Approval

The act or an instance of approving.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approvement

The act of improving or bettering.
The new design was an approvement over the last one.
Jonathan
Sep 04, 2023

Approval

Official consent or endorsement.
Her design received unanimous approval at the meeting.
Henry
Sep 04, 2023

Approvement

Historical term for approval or endorsement.
The king gave his approvement for the treaty.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Approval

Acceptance or favorable reception.
His new policies met with widespread public approval.
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Sep 04, 2023

Approvement

Making superior or better.
The approvement in product quality led to higher sales.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Approval

Favorable regard; commendation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approvement

Improvement of common lands by converting them for advantage of the landlord.
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May 03, 2023

Approval

Confirmation or sanction.
The new drug has not yet received FDA approval.
Henry
Sep 04, 2023

Approvement

(archaic) Approval; approbation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approval

An official approbation; a sanction.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approvement

A confession of guilt by a prisoner charged with treason or felony, together with an accusation of his accomplices and a giving evidence against them in order to obtain his own pardon.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approvement

Approbation.
I did nothing without your approvement.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approval

An expression of favorable acceptance and encouragement; a compliment that also condones.
Words of approval never seem to come from him.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approvement

a confession of guilt by a prisoner charged with treason or felony, together with an accusation of his accomplish and a giving evidence against them in order to obtain his own pardon. The term is no longer in use; it corresponded to what is now known as turning king's (or queen's) evidence in England, and state's evidence in the United States.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approval

Something mailed by a seller to a collector to match their stated interests; the collector can approve of or return the item.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approvement

Improvement of common lands, by inclosing and converting them to the uses of husbandry for the advantage of the lord of the manor.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approval

Approbation; sanction.
A censor . . . without whose approval n capital sentences are to be executed.
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May 03, 2023

Approval

the formal act of giving approval;
he gave the project his blessing
his decision merited the approval of any sensible person
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approval

a feeling of liking something or someone good;
although she fussed at them, she secretly viewed all her children with approval
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May 03, 2023

Approval

acceptance as satisfactory;
he bought it on approval
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approval

a message expressing a favorable opinion;
words of approval seldom passed his lips
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Approval vs. Approvement Frequently Asked Questions

What does "approvement" typically refer to?

"Approvement" usually refers to the act of improving or bettering, but it is less commonly used.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Is "approvement" considered archaic?

It's not entirely archaic, but its usage is far less common than "approval."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Is "approval" commonly used in English?

Yes, "approval" is a widely used term in English signifying official consent or endorsement.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

How can "approval" be used in a sentence?

"The project can't move forward without the boss's approval."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Do both "approval" and "approvement" originate from the same root?

Yes, both come from Old French "aprover."
Elijah
Sep 04, 2023

Is there a direct verb form for "approvement"?

There isn't a direct verb form for "approvement," but it's loosely associated with "improve."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

Can "approvement" be used in place of "approval"?

Historically, yes, but in modern English, the terms have different connotations and "approvement" might confuse some due to its rarity.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

What's the verb form of "approval"?

The verb form of "approval" is "approve."
Nolan
Sep 04, 2023

How can "approvement" be used in a sentence?

"The latest software update is a significant approvement."
William
Sep 04, 2023

Which term is more suitable for formal documents?

"Approval" is more widely understood and suitable for formal documents. Using "approvement" may require additional context.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023

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