What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
approve
Example
The committee will approve the budget for the upcoming project. [approve: verb]
Example
I fully approve of your decision to pursue higher education. [approve: verb]
authorize
Example
The manager will authorize the purchase of new equipment. [authorize: verb]
Example
Only authorized personnel are allowed to access this area. [authorized: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Approve is more commonly used than authorize in everyday language. Approve is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while authorize is more specific and tends to be used in more formal or official settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between approve and authorize?
While approve can be used in both formal and informal contexts, authorize is generally considered more formal and is commonly used in legal, bureaucratic, or official contexts.
