Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Approbation?

\Ap`pro*ba"tion\, n. [L. approbatio: cf. F. approbation. See {Approve} to prove.] 1. Proof; attestation. [Obs.] --Shak. 2. 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. --Macaulay. The silent approbation of one's own breast. --Melmoth. Animals . . . love approbation or praise. --Darwin. 3. Probation or novitiate. [Obs.] This day my sister should the cloister enter, And there receive her approbation. --Shak. Syn: Approval; liking; sanction; consent; concurrence. Usage: {Approbation}, {Approval}. Approbation and approval have the same general meaning, assenting to or declaring as good, sanction, commendation; but approbation is stronger and more positive. ``We may be anxious for the approbation of our friends; but we should be still more anxious for the approval of our own consciences.'' ``He who is desirous to obtain universal approbation will learn a good lesson from the fable of the old man and his ass.'' ``The work has been examined by several excellent judges, who have expressed their unqualified approval of its plan and execution.''