Cool MateApprove vs Authorize
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Approve
Authorize
| Approve | Authorize | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈpruːv/","/əˈpruːvz/","/əˈpruːvd/","/əˈpruːvɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈpruːv/","/əˈpruːvz/","/əˈpruːvd/","/əˈpruːvɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To agree with something or say it is okay. | To give permission or power to do something. |
| Example | The committee will approve the new policy next week. | I can authorize payments up to £5 000. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | fully, heartily, strongly, of, formally, officially, federally | authorize access, authorize a transaction, authorize a request, authorize changes |
| Antonyms | disapprove, reject, deny | prohibit, forbid, disallow |
| Common mistakes | 'Approve of' vs 'approve'. Learners may incorrectly use 'approve of' when not necessary., Confusing 'approve' with 'accept'. They have different meanings., Using 'approving' incorrectly as a noun rather than as a verb. | Confusing 'authorize' with 'authentic' as they have different meanings., Using 'authorize' without an object when it needs one (e.g., 'authorize access' not just 'authorize')., Mixing up 'authorize' with 'permit', which can have slightly different uses. |
| Usage notes | Use 'approve' when formally agreeing to plans, ideas, or documents, typically in work or legal contexts. Avoid in informal conversations where 'okay' or 'sure' might be more appropriate. | Use 'authorize' in formal settings when discussing permission or approval, such as in business, law, or official documents. Avoid in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Approve vs Authorize
What's the difference between Approve and Authorize?
Approve: To agree with something or say it is okay. Authorize: To give permission or power to do something.
Which is more formal: Approve and Authorize?
Authorize is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Approve and Authorize?
Approve is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Approve and Authorize?
Authorize is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Approve and Authorize the same CEFR level?
Approve: B2, Authorize: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Approve and Authorize?
Approve: verb, Authorize: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Approve: The committee will approve the new policy next week. Authorize: I can authorize payments up to £5 000.
Can I use Approve and Authorize interchangeably?
Not always. Approve and Authorize are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.