disapproval

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /dɪsəˈpruːvəl/

KK: /dɪsəˈpruːvəl/

noun

Definition

The feeling or expression of not approving of something; a negative judgment about something.

Example

Her disapproval was clear when she frowned at the decision.

Conversation

I felt a lot of disapproval from my parents when I chose to pursue art.

Really? I thought they would support your passion.

Yeah, it was tough to handle their disapproval at first.

But at the end of the day, it’s your life and your choice!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

condemnation

censure

reproach

Antonyms

approval

endorsement

praise

Root Explanation

Disapproval → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or not) and "approval" (from Latin "approbare", meaning to approve or to test). The word "disapproval" means the state of not approving or expressing disagreement with something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('dis-') agreeing with something that is 'approved' — that's why disapproval means not approving.

Visually Confused Words

disproval