Approbation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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approbation

[หŒรฆp.rษ™หˆbeษช.สƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

formal approval

Approbation refers to an expression of approval or praise. It is often used in formal contexts, indicating that something has been accepted or endorsed positively. In many instances, it can signify a level of authority or prestige associated with the approval. The word is frequently encountered in discussions of performance, quality, or achievements.

Synonyms

acceptance, approval, commendation, endorsement, praise.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher's approbation boosted the student's confidence.
  • Her work received approbation from the leading experts in the field.
  • The committee gave its approbation to the new policy.
  • Financial support was contingent upon the approbation of the shareholders.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The term often appears in classic literature to imply a character's moral standing or societal acceptance.
  • Authors like Jane Austen used the concept of approbation to highlight social dynamics and character interactions.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s works, characters frequently seek approbation from their peers, revealing societal values of that time.

Psychology

  • Seeking approbation is linked to our basic human need for acceptance and validation from others.
  • Studies suggest that receiving approbation can increase confidence and motivation.
  • At times, the quest for approbation can lead to pressure, impacting mental health if one feels they are not meeting expectations.

Social Media

  • In the digital age, โ€˜likesโ€™ and โ€˜sharesโ€™ serve as modern forms of approbation, impacting social interactions and self-esteem.
  • Many influencers depend on public approbation for their careers, shaping their content to receive positive reactions.
  • The instant feedback provided by social media platforms illustrates the speed of judgments and preferences in todayโ€™s society.

Historical Context

  • In historical societies, approbation often dictated social status, where individuals sought recognition from their peers.
  • During the Renaissance, scientific approbation was crucial for scholars to gain credibility within their fields.
  • Political leaders often require approbation from the populace to maintain power, influencing decisions and policies.

Origin of 'approbation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'approbatio', which means approval or acceptance.
  • It entered the English language in the 15th century, originally denoting formal approval.
  • Its root 'probare' means to test, showing that approval often requires a sort of trial.

The word 'approbation' originates from the Latin word 'approbatio', which means 'approval' or 'praise.' This Latin term is derived from 'approbare', composed of 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'probare', which means 'to test' or 'to prove.' The term made its way into Middle English as 'approbacioun' in the 15th century, signifying formal approval or commendation. Over the centuries, it has retained its formal tone and is commonly used in literary and legal contexts to denote official endorsement or recognition. Its usage implies not only acceptance but also a level of respect and authority given to the subject being praised.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,553, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.