Approbation

26 Jan 09

Definition

(noun) The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction; approval, sanction, commendation or official recognition [Usage Notes] Approbation and approval have the same general meaning, assenting to or declaring as good, sanction, commendation; but approbation is stronger and more positive.

DFW's Sentence Part of the answer to why conservative talk radio works so well might be that extreme conservatism provides a neat, clear, univocal template with which to organize one's opinions and responses to the world. The current term of approbation for this kind of template is "moral clarity."

My Sentence Marty longed for the approbation of a fickle Internet and when it finally arrived he cursed the day his friends convinced him singing Celine Dion in his underwear would be, like, a total riot.

01: DFW Source: The Host

02: Definition Source: Wiktionary

Leave a Comment

Lay down whatever is on your mind, in whatever way you want. All I ask is you don't be an ass. Wit, humorous snark, and forceful debate are welcome. Doucebaggery will be deleted, or edited to make you look the idiot.

Thanks for dropping by the Curated David Foster Wallace Dictionary, an adventure in singular, awe inspiring, and confounding writing of David Foster Wallace.

recent words

random words

Browse by letter

  • A (6)
  • B (1)
  • C (2)
  • D (2)
  • E (3)
  • F (1)
  • H (1)
  • L (1)
  • M (3)
  • P (3)
  • S (2)
  • T (1)
  • U (1)