Definition

To give approval or qualification to something before the normal procedures or formalities are completed.

Example

The bank decided to preapprove my loan application, making the process much faster.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear that the bank will preapprove us for a loan?

Really? That's great news!

Yeah, it makes things so much easier when they preapprove applications.

For sure! We should definitely take advantage of that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Preapprove → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "approve" (from Latin "approbare", meaning to test or prove). The word "preapprove" means to approve something before it is formally submitted or finalized.

Memory Tip

Think of getting something 'approved' ('approve') 'before' ('pre-') it is officially submitted — that's what preapprove means.

Visually Confused Words