Authorize vs. Approve — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 8, 2024
Authorize implies granting permission or power to do something, while approve means to formally accept or ratify something as satisfactory.
Difference Between Authorize and Approve
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Authorization typically involves a formal delegation of authority, allowing someone to take certain actions or make decisions on behalf of another party or organization. This can include the power to access resources, execute agreements, or carry out specific tasks. Approval, on the other hand, is the process of reviewing and then accepting or endorsing a proposal, plan, or product, confirming that it meets certain standards or requirements.
When someone is authorized, they are given the right or means to do something, which often involves a level of trust and responsibility. For example, an employee may be authorized to access confidential information or represent the company in negotiations. Approval, however, is more about agreeing with or sanctioning something after evaluating its merits, such as approving a budget, a project plan, or a final product.
Authorization often sets the framework or boundaries within which actions can be taken, and it might require specific qualifications or conditions to be met by the person being authorized. Approval is generally the final step in a process, signifying that something has been reviewed and is considered acceptable or satisfactory.
In some contexts, authorization can be seen as the first step, giving someone the permission to start a process or undertake a task, while approval is the last step, signifying that the outcome of that process is accepted. For instance, an employee might be authorized to work on a project, but the project's final output would still require approval from a higher authority.
Both authorization and approval are essential in organizational and legal processes, ensuring that actions are taken appropriately and outcomes meet the required standards. However, the key difference lies in the nature of the power or acceptance being conveyed.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To grant permission or power to do something
To formally accept something as satisfactory
Focus
On giving rights or permissions
On evaluating and endorsing
Process
Involves delegating authority
Involves reviewing and ratifying
Responsibility
Implies a level of trust and responsibility
Focuses on agreeing with or sanctioning
Sequence
Often the first step (granting permission)
Often the last step (signifying acceptance)
Compare with Definitions
Authorize
To grant official permission for an action.
The manager authorized her staff to access the client files.
Approve
Indicates agreement with a proposal or plan.
The budget was approved at the annual general meeting.
Authorize
Involves delegating authority or rights.
The CEO authorized the vice president to negotiate on behalf of the company.
Approve
To formally accept or ratify as satisfactory.
The committee approved the new policy after thorough review.
Authorize
Can imply a legal or formal empowerment.
The law authorizes the police to make arrests under certain conditions.
Approve
Can be the result of a review or evaluation process.
After several revisions, the thesis was approved by the advisor.
Authorize
Often related to access or representation.
He was authorized to sign checks for the company account.
Approve
Involves a final endorsement or sanction.
The design was finally approved by the client.
Authorize
May require specific qualifications or conditions.
Only authorized personnel are allowed in the laboratory.
Approve
Often signifies the completion of a process.
The product was approved for release after passing all quality tests.
Authorize
Give official permission for or approval to (an undertaking or agent)
The troops were authorized to use force
The government authorized further aircraft production
Approve
To consent to officially or formally; confirm or sanction
The Senate approved the treaty.
Authorize
To grant authority or power to.
Approve
To consider right or good
"He came to ask me ... whether I approved his choice altogether" (Jane Austen).
Authorize
To give permission for (something); sanction
The city agency that authorizes construction projects.
Approve
(Obsolete)To prove or attest.
Authorize
(transitive) To grant (someone) the permission or power necessary to do (something); to permit; to sanction or consent to.
The General Assembly authorized the Council to take up the matter.
The judge authorized the wiretapping.
Approve
To show, feel, or express approval
We didn't approve of the decision.
Authorize
To clothe with authority, warrant, or legal power; to give a right to act; to empower; as, to authorize commissioners to settle a boundary.
Approve
(transitive) To officially sanction; to ratify; to confirm; to set as satisfactory.
Although we may disagree with it, we must nevertheless approve the sentence handed down by the court-martial.
Authorize
To make legal; to give legal sanction to; to legalize; as, to authorize a marriage.
Approve
(transitive) To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of.
We approve the measure of the administration, for it is an excellent decision.
Authorize
To establish by authority, as by usage or public opinion; to sanction; as, idioms authorized by usage.
Approve
To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically.
Authorize
To sanction or confirm by the authority of some one; to warrant; as, to authorize a report.
A woman's story at a winter's fire,Authorized by her grandam.
Approve
To consider worthy (to); to be pleased (with); to accept.
Her mother never approves of any of her boyfriends. She thinks nobody is good enough for her little girl.
Authorize
To justify; to furnish a ground for.
Authorizing himself, for the most part, upon other histories.
Approve
To show to be worthy; to demonstrate the merits of.
Authorize
Grant authorization or clearance for;
Clear the manuscript for publication
The rock star never authorized this slanderous biography
Approve
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.
Authorize
Give or delegate power or authority to;
She authorized her assistant to sign the papers
Approve
To show to be real or true; to prove.
Wouldst thou approve thy constancy? ApproveFirst thy obedience.
Approve
To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically.
Opportunities to approve . . . worth.
He had approved himself a great warrior.
'T is an old lesson; Time approves it true.
His account . . . approves him a man of thought.
Approve
To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm; as, to approve the decision of a court-martial.
Approve
To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of; as, we approve the measured of the administration.
Approve
To make or show to be worthy of approbation or acceptance.
The first care and concern must be to approve himself to God.
They had not approved of the deposition of James.
They approved of the political institutions.
Approve
To make profit of; to convert to one's own profit; - said esp. of waste or common land appropriated by the lord of the manor.
Approve
Give sanction to;
I approve of his educational policies
Approve
Judge to be right or commendable; think well of
Common Curiosities
What is the significance of approval in a project?
Approval in a project signifies that the project or its components have been reviewed and are considered satisfactory or in alignment with set standards and objectives.
What does it mean to authorize someone?
To authorize someone means to give them official permission or power to act in a certain capacity or to perform specific actions.
Is authorization legally binding?
Authorization can be legally binding, especially when it involves formal permissions or delegations of authority within legal, financial, or organizational contexts.
Can the same person authorize and approve?
In some cases, the same person might have the authority to both authorize and approve, especially in smaller organizations or specific situations. However, separation is often maintained for checks and balances.
Why is approval important in business?
Approval is important in business as it ensures that decisions, projects, and expenditures align with the organization's goals, standards, and budgetary constraints.
Can approval be given without authorization?
Typically, approval follows authorization in processes where both are required. However, in some contexts, something can be approved without a prior need for specific authorization, especially in less formal settings.
Can authorization be revoked?
Yes, authorization can be revoked by the authorizing body or individual, typically if conditions change or if the authorized party fails to meet the required standards or expectations.
What is the role of authorization in security?
In security, authorization plays a crucial role in determining who has access to certain information, areas, or systems, helping to protect sensitive data and resources.
What happens if something is not approved?
If something is not approved, it may require revisions, further review, or might be rejected outright, depending on the context and standards set by the reviewing authority.
How is authorization expressed?
Authorization is often expressed through official documents, permissions, or explicit verbal or written consent.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
