What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
approbation
Example
The teacher gave her approbation to the student for his excellent presentation. [approbation: noun]
Example
The committee expressed their approbation of the new policy. [approbation: noun]
approval
Example
I need your approval before I can proceed with the project. [approval: noun]
Example
Her parents gave their approval for her to go on the trip. [approval: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Approval is more commonly used than approbation in everyday language. Approval is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while approbation is less common and tends to be used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between approbation and approval?
While approbation is typically associated with a formal tone, approval is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.