Approbation, n.
Etymology: [L. approbatio: cf. F. approbation. See Approve to prove.]
1. Proof; attestation. [Obs.] Shak.
2. The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction; approval; sanction; commendation. Many . . . joined in a loud hum of approbation. Macaulay. The silent approbation of one's own breast. Melmoth. Animals . . . love approbation or praise. Darwin.
3. Probation or novitiate. [Obs.] This day my sister should the cloister enter, And there receive her approbation. Shak.
Syn. -- Approval; liking; sanction; consent; concurrence. -- Approbation, Approval. Approbation and approval have the same general meaning, assenting to or declaring as good, sanction, commendation; but approbation is stronger and more positive. "We may be anxious for the approbation of our friends; but we should be still more anxious for the approval of our own consciences." "He who is desirous to obtain universal approbation will learn a good lesson from the fable of the old man and his ass." "The work has been examined by several excellent judges, who have expressed their unqualified approval of its plan and execution."
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for approbation; he lists it under praise.
Where he writes about it:
Approbation is a milder and more qualified word than praise; while praise is always uttered, approbation may be silent. — from praise
"Approbation speaks of the thing or action.... — from praise
Praise is always personal." A. W. AND J. C. HARE Guesses at Truth first series, p. 549. [MACM. '66.] Acceptance refers to an object or action; approbation may refer to character or natural traits. — from praise
Approval always supposes a testing or careful examination, and frequently implies official sanction; approbation may be upon a general view. — from praise
The industry and intelligence of a clerk win his employer's approbation; his decision in a special instance receives his approval. — from praise