disapprove
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //dɪsəˈpruːv//
KK: /dɪsəˈpruv/
intransitive verb
Definition
To have a negative opinion about something or to not approve of it.
Example
She disapproves of his decision to quit school.
Tense Forms
Past: disapproved
Past Participle: disapproved
Conversation
I heard you disapprove of that new policy at work.
Yeah, I really don't think it's fair to anyone.
What specifically do you disapprove of the most?
Mostly how it affects our hours — it just doesn't make sense.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
object
oppose
protest
Antonyms
approve
endorse
support
transitive verb
Definition
To have a negative opinion about something or someone; to not agree with or support it.
Example
She disapproves of his decision to quit school.
Tense Forms
Past: disapproved
Past Participle: disapproved
Conversation
I heard you disapprove of their new project idea.
Yeah, it just doesn't seem practical to me.
What specifically do you disapprove of the most?
Root Explanation
Disapprove → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or not) and "approbare" (meaning to approve or to test). The word "disapprove" means to not approve or to reject something.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'not in agreement' ('dis-') with something that is 'approved' ('approbare'). This helps you remember that disapprove means to reject or not accept.
Visually Confused Words
disprove
disprover
disproven
approve
postdisapproved
disimprove