What does imprimatur mean?
Imprimatur is a formal word for authoritative approval or permission. It is used when an action, document, publication, or project has been sanctioned by a person or institution whose approval is considered decisive. The word is especially associated with official and ecclesiastical contexts, including the historic permission required to print certain religious works. In modern usage, it can describe any meaningful authorization, as in “the board gave its imprimatur to the proposal.” Although the expression may sound ceremonious or old-fashioned, it remains useful because it conveys not merely general agreement but approval carrying institutional force. The word also preserves an unusual history: its Latin form means “let it be printed,” reflecting its early connection with permission for books to be produced. Its present-day sense has broadened from formal publishing authorization to authoritative consent more generally.
nounFormal or authoritative approval, especially permission to proceed with, publish, or officially authorize something.
- Authoritative approval or permission to proceed.
- Historical ecclesiastical authorization to print or publish a work.
"The project cannot begin without the board's imprimatur."
"The proposal received the minister's imprimatur and went forward."
"The manuscript obtained the ecclesiastical imprimatur required before publication."
The plural is uncommon because the word usually refers to a single act or instance of approval.
"Formal approval in several cases was expressed through separate imprimaturs."
Imprimatur literally means “let it be printed” in Latin—approval that began as permission for a book to appear in print.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imprimatur come from?
Imprimatur comes from the Latin imprimātur, “let it be printed,” the third-person singular present passive of imprimere, “to press or print.” The expression entered English in the early 17th century in connection with authorization to print a book and subsequently developed its broader sense of authoritative approval. Its relatives include imprint and imprison, both historically connected with Latin imprimere, as well as words such as compress and express that share the Latin root premere, “to press.”
How imprimatur is actually used
Formal and institutional, especially in government, publishing, religion, and cultural or artistic contexts. It often suggests approval granted by someone with recognized authority.
Easily confused with imprimatur
Imprimis means “in the first place” or “foremost,” whereas imprimatur means approval or permission.