approbation

Etymology

From late Middle English approbacioun, from Old French approbacion (French approbation), from Latin approbatio, from approbare (“to assent to as good, approve, also show to be good, confirm”), from ad (“to”) + probare (“approve, commend”), from probus (“good”).

noun

1. 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.
   I am very sensible how much nobler it is to place the reward of virtue in the silent approbation of one's own breast 1796, William Melmoth (tr.), The Letters of Pliny the Consul: With Occasional Remarks, 9th edition, page 20
   As a counsellor she was not wanted; but as an approver, (a much safer character,) she was truly welcome. Her approbation, at once general and minute, warm and incessant, could not but please; and for another half-hour they were all walking to and fro, between the different rooms, some suggesting, some attending, and all in happy enjoyment of the future. 1815, Jane Austen, Emma, volume II, chapter 11
   Many, therefore, who did not assent to all that the King had said, joined in a loud hum of approbation when he concluded. 1866, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The Works of Lord Macaulay, Complete: History of England, page 342