approvingly

UK: əˈpruːvɪŋli | US: əˈpruvɪŋli

Definition

  1. adv. in a manner that shows approval or agreement

Structure
approve <to agree or accept>ing <present participle>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "approvingly" derives from the verb "approve," which originates from the Latin approbare (ad- "to" + probare "to test or prove"). Over time, "approve" evolved in Middle English to mean "to agree or endorse." The suffix -ing forms the present participle, and -ly converts it into an adverb, creating "approvingly" to describe an action done with approval.

Examples

  1. She nodded approvingly when he presented his idea.

  2. The teacher smiled approvingly at the student's answer.

  3. He glanced approvingly at the finished project.

  4. The audience clapped approvingly after the performance.

  5. The manager spoke approvingly of the team's efforts.