Approval vs. Acceptance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on August 22, 2023
Approval is the act of agreeing or giving consent, while acceptance is the act of receiving or acknowledging something as satisfactory.
Difference Between Approval and Acceptance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Approval implies a positive judgment about something based on a set of criteria or standards. Acceptance, on the other hand, denotes the acknowledgment or recognition of something, irrespective of its inherent qualities.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Approval often requires some sort of evaluation or assessment, weighing the pros and cons, or judging the merits of a particular thing. Acceptance can simply be the act of recognizing a reality or circumstance without necessarily endorsing or condemning it.
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Aug 22, 2023
In many social contexts, approval can be seen as a form of social currency. People often seek the approval of peers, superiors, or society at large to feel valued or worthy. Acceptance in such contexts is more about being included or recognized as part of a group or community, without necessarily being judged or evaluated.
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Aug 22, 2023
When someone seeks approval, they are looking for endorsement or validation, often to affirm that they are in the right or their actions are justified. Acceptance, on the other hand, does not necessarily convey agreement or disagreement. It is more about recognizing and understanding a particular situation or state of affairs.
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Aug 22, 2023
In emotional or psychological contexts, approval often relates to self-worth and esteem. Individuals might seek approval from others to bolster their self-image or validate their feelings. Acceptance, in these contexts, is more about coming to terms with one's own feelings or situations, finding peace irrespective of external validation.
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Aug 22, 2023
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Lastly, in formal contexts, approval might refer to official consent, like getting a project approved. Acceptance might pertain to receiving something, such as a proposal, without necessarily endorsing its content.
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Aug 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
Emotional Context
Tied to self-worth and esteem
Coming to terms with reality
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Aug 22, 2023
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Definitions
Approval
The action of formally recognizing or accrediting something.
The software received FDA approval for medical use.
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Aug 19, 2023
Acceptance
Acknowledgment or recognition of a reality.
His acceptance of the situation allowed him to move forward.
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Aug 19, 2023
Approval
An expression of favorable acceptance and encouragement; a compliment that also condones.
Words of approval never seem to come from him.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
Acceptance in human psychology is a person's assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it or protest it. The concept is close in meaning to acquiescence, derived from the Latin acquiēscere (to find rest in).
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Aug 22, 2023
Approval
Official consent or endorsement.
The committee gave its approval for the new project.
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Aug 19, 2023
Approval
The act of confirming or agreeing to something.
The contract is pending approval from the legal department.
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Aug 19, 2023
Acceptance
(contract law) words signifying consent to the terms of an offer (thereby creating a contract)
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Aug 22, 2023
Approval
A positive judgment or opinion.
Her innovative ideas met with widespread approval.
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Aug 19, 2023
Acceptance
An assent and engagement by the person on whom a bill of exchange is drawn, to pay it when due according to the terms of the acceptance.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
An agreeing to terms or proposals by which a bargain is concluded and the parties are bound; the reception or taking of a thing bought as that for which it was bought, or as that agreed to be delivered, or the taking possession as owner.
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Aug 22, 2023
Approval
A feeling of liking something or someone good;
Although she fussed at them, she secretly viewed all her children with approval
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
An agreeing to the action of another, by some act which binds the person in law.
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Aug 22, 2023
Approval
The formal act of giving approval;
He gave the project his blessing
His decision merited the approval of any sensible person
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
Agreement or consent to something.
Their acceptance of the terms ensured a peaceful negotiation.
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Aug 19, 2023
Acceptance
Inclusion or acknowledgment in a group.
The new members were greeted with warmth and acceptance.
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Aug 19, 2023
Approval
A feeling of favor or positive regard.
She nodded in approval at the well-organized presentation.
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Aug 19, 2023
Acceptance
The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered
Charges involving the acceptance of bribes
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
The process or fact of being received as adequate, valid, or suitable
You must wait for acceptance into the village
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
Agreement with or belief in an idea or explanation
Acceptance of the teaching of the Church
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Aug 22, 2023
Approval
An expression granting permission; an indication of agreement with a proposal; an acknowledgement that a person, thing, or event meets requirements.
I need to get an approval on this purchase order.
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Aug 22, 2023
Approval
Something mailed by a seller to a collector to match their stated interests; the collector can approve of or return the item.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
The act of admitting to a group or organization
Acceptance of new members into the club.
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Aug 22, 2023
Approval
Approbation; sanction.
A censor . . . without whose approval n capital sentences are to be executed.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
A notification that someone or something has been accepted
Received an acceptance from her first-choice college.
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Aug 22, 2023
Approval
A message expressing a favorable opinion;
Words of approval seldom passed his lips
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
Favorable reception; approval
Acceptance of seat belts among the public has greatly reduced injuries in car accidents.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
Belief in something; agreement
Acceptance of the new theory has been slow.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
A formal indication by a debtor of willingness to pay a draft or bill of exchange.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
(Law) The demonstration of agreement with the terms and conditions of another's offer so that the offer becomes a contract between the two parties.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
(uncountable) The act of accepting; the receiving of something offered, with acquiescence, approbation, or satisfaction; especially, favourable reception; approval.
The acceptance of a gift, office, doctrine, etc.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
An assent and engagement by the person on whom a bill of exchange is drawn, to pay it when due according to the terms of the acceptance; the bill of exchange itself when accepted.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
(law) An agreeing to the action, proposals, or terms of another by some act which results in the conclusion of a legally binding contract; the reception or taking of a thing bought as that for which it was bought, or as that agreed to be delivered, or the taking of possession of a thing as owner.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
The act of an authorized representative of the government by which the government assents to ownership of existing and identified supplies, or approves specific services rendered, as partial or complete performance of a contract.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
The act of accepting; a receiving what is offered, with approbation, satisfaction, or acquiescence; esp., favorable reception; approval; as, the acceptance of a gift, office, doctrine, etc.
They shall come up with acceptance on mine altar.
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
The mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true;
He gave credence to the gossip
Acceptance of Newtonian mechanics was unquestioned for 200 years
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
The act of accepting with approval; favorable reception;
Its adoption by society
The proposal found wide acceptance
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
The state of being acceptable and accepted;
Torn jeans received no acceptance at the country club
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
A disposition to tolerate or accept people or situations;
All people should practice toleration and live together in peace
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
The act of taking something that is offered;
Her acceptance of the gift encouraged him
He anticipated their acceptance of his offer
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Aug 22, 2023
Acceptance
A formal act of agreeing to take something.
The acceptance of the proposal marked the start of a new venture.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 19, 2023
Acceptance
The act of receiving or taking something offered.
She smiled in gratitude at the acceptance of her gift.
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Aug 19, 2023
FAQs
What does approval mean in a formal context?
Approval in a formal context often refers to official consent or endorsement, such as granting permission for a particular action or project.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
How does acceptance differ from approval in emotional contexts?
Acceptance in emotional contexts is about recognizing and coming to terms with one's feelings or situations, irrespective of external validation. Approval, on the other hand, is tied to seeking external validation to bolster self-worth and esteem.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
How does acceptance play a role in psychological healing?
Acceptance is a key component of many psychological healing processes, as it involves acknowledging one's feelings and circumstances and finding peace with them, without necessarily seeking external validation.
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Aug 22, 2023
Can something be accepted without approval?
Yes, something can be accepted without necessarily being approved. Acceptance can mean simply acknowledging or receiving something, without passing judgment on its merits.
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Aug 22, 2023
Is seeking approval always tied to self-esteem?
While approval can often be tied to self-worth and esteem, it's not always the case. People might seek approval for various reasons, including adhering to societal norms or fulfilling official requirements.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Can approval be implied rather than explicitly stated?
Yes, approval can be implied through actions, gestures, or non-verbal cues even if it's not explicitly stated.
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Aug 22, 2023
Is acceptance always a positive reaction?
Not necessarily. Acceptance can be neutral, merely an acknowledgment of a reality. It doesn't always convey agreement or positive regard.
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Aug 22, 2023
Why is self-acceptance considered crucial for mental well-being?
Self-acceptance allows individuals to embrace their true selves, recognizing both strengths and flaws. It promotes a healthy self-image, reduces internal conflict, and contributes to overall mental well-being.
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Aug 22, 2023
How does societal approval impact individual behavior?
Societal approval can greatly influence individual behavior, as many people conform to societal norms and values to gain acceptance and avoid social sanctions.
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Aug 22, 2023
Can a project be accepted but not approved in a business context?
Yes, a project can be received or acknowledged (accepted) without getting the official go-ahead (approval) in a business context.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
