# approvingly

**Pronunciation:** /əˈpruːvɪŋli/ · uh-PROOV-ing-lee

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that shows you think something is good or acceptable.

## Examples

- She nodded approvingly at his suggestion.
- He looked approvingly at the finished painting.
- The audience applauded approvingly.

## Synonyms

- positively — Shows general agreement or support.
- favorably — Indicates a positive or encouraging reception.
- complacently — Shows self-satisfaction and a lack of concern, sometimes with a hint of smugness.
- appreciatively — Shows gratitude or recognition of value.

## Antonyms

- disapprovingly — Shows that you do not think something is good or acceptable.
- critically — Shows careful judgment, often pointing out faults.
- scornfully — Shows contempt or a strong lack of approval.

## Common patterns

- approve of — To think that something is good or acceptable. — Do you approve of his new girlfriend?

## Collocations

- nod approvingly — She nodded approvingly at the student's work.
- look approvingly — The manager looked approvingly at the team's progress.
- smile approvingly — He smiled approvingly as she explained her idea.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/approvingly

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