The difference between Approve and Countenance
When used as verbs, approve means to sanction officially, whereas countenance means to tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something.
Countenance is also noun with the meaning: appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
check bellow for the other definitions of Approve and Countenance
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Approve as a verb (transitive):
To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm.
Examples:
"Although we may disagree with it, we must nevertheless approve the sentence handed down by the court-martial."
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Approve as a verb (transitive):
To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of.
Examples:
"We approve the measure of the administration, for it is an excellent decision."
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Approve as a verb (transitive, archaic):
To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically.
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Approve as a verb (intransitive):
To consider or show to be worthy of approbation or acceptance.
Examples:
"Note: This word, when it signifies to be pleased with, to think favorably (''of''), is often followed by ''of''."
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Approve as a verb (transitive, legal, English law):
To make profit of; to convert to one's own profit — said especially of waste or common land appropriated by the lord of the manor.
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Countenance as a noun:
Appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
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Countenance as a noun:
Favour; support; encouragement.
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Countenance as a noun (obsolete):
Superficial appearance; show; pretense.
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Countenance as a noun:
Calm facial expression, composure, self-control.
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Countenance as a verb (transitive):
To tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something.
Examples:
"The cruel punishment was countenanced by the government, although it was not officially legal."