APPROVE', L. approbo of ad and probo, to prove or approve. See Approbate, Prove and Proof.

1. To like to be pleased with to admit the propriety of as, we approve the measures of administration. This word may include, with the assent of the mind to the propriety, a commendation to others.
2. To prove to show to be true to justify.

Would'st thou approve thy constancy? Approve first thy wisdom.

This sense, though common a century or two ago, is now rare.

3. To experience to prove by trial. Not used. See Prove.
4. To make or show to be worthy of approbation to commend.

Jesus, a man approved of God. Acts 2 .

This word seems to include the idea of Christ's real office as the Messiah, and of God's love and approbation of him in that character.

5. To like and sustain as right to commend.

Yet their posterity approve their sayings. Psalms 49 .

This word, when it signifies to be pleased, is often followed by of, in which use, it is intransitive as, I approve of the measure. But the tendency of modern usage is to omit of. "I approve the measure."

6. To improve.