billigen
Translation
to approve, to condone, to endorse, to sanction
Examples
Die Eltern billigen die Wahl ihres Sohnes.
The parents approve of their son's choice.
Die Regierung hat das neue Gesetz gebilligt.
The government has approved the new law.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) billigen to approve sth. The government approved the plan.
Similar Words
Synonyms: genehmigen (to authorize), gutheißen (to approve of), zustimmen (to agree); Antonym: missbilligen (to disapprove)
Etymology
Derived from the adjective 'billig' (fair, just, cheap). Originally meant 'to deem as fair'.
Memory Tips
Think of approving a 'bill'. If the bill is fair ('billig'), you 'billigen' it.