Approof

/əˈpruːf/ noun

Definition

An archaic term for approval or approbation; a proof that something is good or valid.

Etymology

Variant of 'approval' that blends 'approbation' and 'proof.' From Old French and Latin roots relating to approval and testing/proving something's worth.

Kelly Says

This wonderfully archaic word shows how 'proof' originally meant 'testing'—'approof' was proof that something met standards, which is why we 'test' things to see if they work.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.