What does approving mean?
"Approving" is an adjective used to describe words, gestures, or expressions that convey agreement, satisfaction, or a favorable judgment. An approving nod, glance, smile, or remark signals that the person finds something acceptable, praiseworthy, or pleasing. The word derives from the verb "approve," which comes from the Latin "approbare," meaning to test and find good — a root it shares with "approval," "approbation," and "probation." In modern English, "approving" typically functions attributively, as in "she gave him an approving look," and it also serves as the present participle of "approve," appearing in phrases like "the board is approving new proposals." Its connotations are warm and positive, standing in contrast to "disapproving" or "critical." Because much human communication is nonverbal, "approving" is especially useful for describing subtle social cues — the quiet signals of acceptance that pass between people without a word being spoken.
Showing or expressing approval, agreement, or a favorable opinion.
"The coach gave the team an approving nod after their strong performance."
Most commonly used attributively before nouns such as nod, glance, smile, look, or remark.
The -ing form of the verb "approve," used in progressive tenses to describe the ongoing act of sanctioning or accepting something.
"The committee is approving the final budget this week."
In this use it describes an action in progress rather than an attitude or expression.
Every approving nod you give traces back to the Latin word for 'to test and find good' — the same root that gives us 'probation' and 'proof.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of approving
"Approving" is the present participle and adjectival form of "approve," which entered English from Old French "aprouer," ultimately deriving from the Latin "approbare" — a combination of "ad-" (toward) and "probare" (to test, try, or judge as good). The same Latin root underlies "approval," "approbation," "probation," and "reprove," all carrying notions of testing and judging worth. The word has been part of English since the medieval period, developing its modern sense of expressing favorable judgment.
Related word forms
How approving is actually used
"Approving" is most often used attributively to describe looks, glances, nods, smiles, remarks, or tones that signal favor. It carries a warm, positive connotation and is neutral in register, fitting both formal and informal contexts. It is also the present participle of the verb "approve," so it appears in progressive constructions such as "the committee is approving applications."
Easily confused with approving
"Approval" is the noun denoting the act or state of approving something, while "approving" is the adjective describing the manner of showing that approval.