Approval means permission or agreement that something is acceptable or good. When you need your parents' approval to go to a friend's house, you're asking them to say yes. When a teacher gives her approval for your project topic, she's agreeing that your choice works well.

The word can mean official permission, like when a new medicine needs government approval before doctors can prescribe it. Scientists test it carefully, and regulators review all the evidence before deciding whether to approve it.

Approval can also mean thinking well of something or someone. When you seek someone's approval, you want them to think positively about you or your work. A chef might cook a new dish hoping for the approval of restaurant customers. An artist might show a painting to friends, looking for their approval of her technique and vision.

Notice the difference between approval and mere permission. Your teacher might give you permission to use the library but show approval of your dedication to research. Permission means simply saying yes, while approval suggests respect or appreciation. The person giving approval goes beyond allowing something: they're saying it's worthwhile or good.