How to pronounce approval
Say it like uh-PROO-vul. Approval has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PROO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce approval. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- PROO
- vul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Approval pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PROOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- vulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of approval
American and British speakers say approval in essentially the same way: /əˈpruvəl/ in the US and /əˈpruːvəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-PROO-vul.
What does approval mean?
- the formal act of approving“he gave the project his blessing”“his decision merited the approval of any sensible person”
- a feeling of liking something or someone good“although she fussed at them, she secretly viewed all her children with approval”
- acceptance as satisfactory“he bought it on approval”
Where does approval come from?
From approve + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with approval
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of approval.
Questions about saying approval
How do you pronounce approval?
Say uh-PROO-vul. The American pronunciation is /əˈpruvəl/. In British English it is /əˈpruːvəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in approval?
Approval has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PROO). Broken into parts: uh · PROO · vul.
Do Americans and Brits say approval the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈpruvəl/ and the British form is /əˈpruːvəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.