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
Comes from the adjective 'billig' (fair, just, cheap). Its original meaning was 'to consider fair'.
Memory Tips
Imagine you 'bill again' for something you approve of. Or, if a bill is fair ('billig'), you approve ('billigen') it.