disapprove

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disapprove' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to express disapproval or negative opinion. For example: "The principal disapproved of the student's actions and behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As for the rather sensible argument that what consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home neither harms anybody nor impinges on anyone else's rights to disapprove of what they do (only to have that disapproval codified into law), the court held that it was a question for the legislature.The question now, of course, is whether Singapore's legislature will take up the debate.

The Economist

It's also scathing about organised religion and politicians and it might not be to your taste – but that's when you should remember your Voltaire," he added, referencing the lines which are attributed to the Candide author: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".

The Guardian - Books

The UK tax authorities knew of the account and did not disapprove, he said in a statement.

The Guardian

It is, ironically, the same people on the whole who hand-wring about our pensions deficit and the loss of living standards, who also disapprove of the state subsidising people raising many children and rail against migrants.

The Guardian - Opinion

My granddaughter tells me I should totally disapprove of that other song he did, though.

The Guardian - Music

The latest poll has 40% saying they approve of his leadership, while 42% disapprove.

The Guardian

I wonder if anyone still thinks it's possible to disapprove without trying to silence, censor or punish.

The Guardian - Opinion

The quote that defines Voltaire – "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" – was invented by his biographer Evelyn Beatrice Hall.

The Guardian - Books

Miliband is on 24% "approve" and 49% "disapprove".

The Guardian

But they disapprove of other recent provocations, such as Mr Copé's claim that there is a growing "anti-white racism" in heavily immigrant corners of the country.As for the other parties, Mr Copé's victory may not obviously help the far-right National Front.

The Economist

The trouble is how dramatically British voters now disapprove of such political games, which is why Mr Cameron's latest effort to do a number on his opponents may not be quite as popular as he thinks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disapprove", clarify the reason for your disapproval to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what actions or ideas you "disapprove" of and why.

Common error

Avoid using "of" after "disapprove" when directly followed by a clause. Instead of "disapprove of that he did it", use "disapprove that he did it" or "disapprove of what he did".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disapprove" is as a verb, used to express disagreement or a negative judgment. It indicates a lack of approval, often implying a moral or ethical objection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "disapprove" is a verb used to express a negative judgment or lack of approval, commonly found in neutral to formal contexts such as News & Media. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is grammatically sound and prevalent in various sources. When writing, ensure that you clarify the reason for your disapproval to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "object to", "frown upon", and "oppose", offering nuanced ways to express disagreement. Steer clear of misusing prepositions after "disapprove", particularly when followed by a clause. With a high expert rating of 4.5, "disapprove" remains a reliable choice for expressing dissent clearly and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oppose

A formal term indicating active resistance or disagreement.

disfavor

Expresses a lack of support or approval.

object to

This alternative indicates a formal expression of opposition or disagreement.

be against

A direct and simple way to express opposition.

take exception to

This phrase indicates a strong disagreement, often implying offense.

condemn

Signifies strong disapproval, often with moral implications.

frown upon

This suggests mild disapproval, often based on social norms.

criticize

Involves expressing negative opinions or judgments.

deplore

Implies strong condemnation or regret about something.

take a dim view of

Indicates a negative opinion or assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "disapprove" in a sentence?

You can use "disapprove" to express disagreement or a negative opinion about something. For example, "I disapprove of his behavior" or "They disapprove that the decision was made without consulting them."

What are some alternatives to the word "disapprove"?

Alternatives to "disapprove" include "object to", "frown upon", "oppose", and "condemn", depending on the context and the degree of disapproval.

Is it correct to say "disapprove of"?

Yes, it is correct to say "disapprove of". However, when "disapprove" is followed directly by a clause introduced by "that", the "of" is usually omitted. For example, "I disapprove of his actions" is correct, as is "I disapprove that he made that decision".

What is the difference between "disapprove" and "disagree"?

"Disapprove" implies a negative judgment or moral objection, while "disagree" simply means holding a different opinion. You might "disagree" with someone's political views without necessarily "disapproving" of them.