Difference Wiki

Approval vs. Accord: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Approval" refers to the act of agreeing with or accepting something as satisfactory, while "Accord" denotes agreement or harmony between people or things.

Key Differences

"Approval" and "Accord" are both nouns that connote agreement, but they emphasize different facets of this concept. "Approval" is a confirmation or sanction, often implying a hierarchical or evaluative relationship. For instance, an employee might seek a manager's "Approval" for a project, indicating a validation process where one party assesses another's proposal or action.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
On the other hand, "Accord" is typically mutual, suggesting harmony or congruence between parties or things. It doesn't necessarily possess the evaluative dimension seen in "Approval." When nations sign an "Accord," it's an agreement formed through negotiations where both parties reach common ground. There isn't a hierarchy; instead, there's mutual consent.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Furthermore, "Approval" is often more personal and can be based on subjective judgment. One might gain or not gain social "Approval" based on personal choices, such as career or fashion. Conversely, "Accord" has a more formal and objective tone. In legal contexts, an "Accord" refers to an agreement that settles a debt obligation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Another distinction is in their adaptability as verbs. While "Approval" is primarily a noun, "Accord" can function as both a noun and a verb. You might "accord" someone respect, meaning you grant or bestow it. In summary, while both terms revolve around the theme of agreement, "Approval" suggests validation, whereas "Accord" emphasizes harmony and mutual agreement.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023

Comparison Chart

Basic Definition

The act of agreeing with or accepting something as satisfactory.
Agreement or harmony between people or things.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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Implication

Suggests validation or sanction.
Emphasizes harmony and mutual agreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Typical Context

Hierarchical or evaluative relationships.
Mutual agreements, often formal or between equal parties.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Tone

Can be more personal and subjective.
More formal and objective.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Function in a Sentence

Primarily a noun.
Can function as both a noun and a verb.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Approval and Accord Definitions

Approval

The act of validating or endorsing.
The document awaits the manager's approval.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
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Accord

Harmony or agreement in feeling or opinion.
The team worked in perfect accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Approval

Favorable opinion or esteem.
He gained the approval of his peers.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023

Accord

To grant or bestow.
The teacher accorded the student special privileges.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023

Approval

Agreement with or acceptance of something.
The proposal was met with widespread approval.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Accord

To be in agreement or harmony.
His story accords with the facts.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
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Approval

Confirmation or sanction.
The project got the financial approval to proceed.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Accord

To give or grant, especially as being due or appropriate
Accorded the president the proper deference.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

A feeling of pleasure or satisfaction.
She looked at her work with approval.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Accord

(Archaic) To cause to conform or agree; bring into harmony.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

The act or an instance of approving.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

To be in agreement, unity, or harmony.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

An official approbation; a sanction.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Agreement; harmony
Act in accord with university policies.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

Favorable regard; commendation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

A settlement or compromise between conflicting parties
The strikers and the owners reached an accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

An expression granting permission; an indication of agreement with a proposal; an acknowledgement that a person, thing, or event meets requirements.
I need to get an approval on this purchase order.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Spontaneous or voluntary desire to take a certain action
The children returned on their own accord. He confessed of his own accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

An expression of favorable acceptance and encouragement; a compliment that also condones.
Words of approval never seem to come from him.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Agreement or concurrence of opinion, will, or action.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

Something mailed by a seller to a collector to match their stated interests; the collector can approve of or return the item.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

A harmony in sound, pitch and tone; concord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

Approbation; sanction.
A censor . . . without whose approval n capital sentences are to be executed.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Agreement or harmony of things in general.
The accord of light and shade in painting
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

The formal act of giving approval;
He gave the project his blessing
His decision merited the approval of any sensible person
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

A distinctive mixture of fragrances or the odor thereof.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

A feeling of liking something or someone good;
Although she fussed at them, she secretly viewed all her children with approval
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

(legal) An agreement between parties in controversy, by which satisfaction for an injury is stipulated, and which, when executed, prevents a lawsuit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

Acceptance as satisfactory;
He bought it on approval
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

(international law) An international agreement.
The Geneva Accord of 1954 ended the French-Indochinese War.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Approval

A message expressing a favorable opinion;
Words of approval seldom passed his lips
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

(obsolete) Assent
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Voluntary or spontaneous impulse to act.
Nobody told me to do it. I did it of my own accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

(transitive) To make to agree or correspond; to suit one thing to another; to adjust.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

(transitive) To bring (people) to an agreement; to reconcile, settle, adjust or harmonize.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

(intransitive) To agree or correspond; to be in harmony; to be concordant.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

(intransitive) To agree in pitch and tone.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

To grant as suitable or proper; to concede or award.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

To give consent.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

To arrive at an agreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Agreement or concurrence of opinion, will, or action; harmony of mind; consent; assent.
A mediator of an accord and peace between them.
These all continued with one accord in prayer.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Harmony of sounds; agreement in pitch and tone; concord; as, the accord of tones.
Those sweet accords are even the angels' lays.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Agreement, harmony, or just correspondence of things; as, the accord of light and shade in painting.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Voluntary or spontaneous motion or impulse to act; - preceded by own; as, of one's own accord.
That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap.
Of his own accord he went unto you.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

An agreement between parties in controversy, by which satisfaction for an injury is stipulated, and which, when executed, bars a suit.
They rushed with one accord into the theater.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

To make to agree or correspond; to suit one thing to another; to adjust; - followed by to.
Her hands accorded the lute's music to the voice.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

To bring to an agreement, as persons; to reconcile; to settle, adjust, harmonize, or compose, as things; as, to accord suits or controversies.
When they were accorded from the fray.
All which particulars, being confessedly knotty and difficult can never be accorded but by a competent stock of critical learning.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

To grant as suitable or proper; to concede; to award; as, to accord to one due praise.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

To agree; to correspond; to be in harmony; - followed by with, formerly also by to; as, his disposition accords with his looks.
My heart accordeth with my tongue.
Thy actions to thy words accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

To agree in pitch and tone.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Harmony of people's opinions or actions or characters;
The two parties were in agreement
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Concurrence of opinion;
We are in accord with your proposal
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

A written agreement between two states or sovereigns
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Sympathetic compatibility
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Go together;
The colors don't harmonize
Their ideas concorded
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

Allow to have;
Grant a privilege
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Accord

An official agreement between parties.
The two countries signed a peace accord.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023

Accord

Voluntary or spontaneous action or movement.
The donation was given of his own accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

FAQs

Can "Approval" be implicit?

Yes, "Approval" can be implied through actions or non-verbal cues.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Is "Approval" always positive?

Generally, "Approval" denotes a positive agreement, but it's context-dependent.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

What's a synonym for "Accord" in the context of agreement?

A synonym could be "pact" or "treaty."
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023

Does "Accord" always mean both parties are happy?

Not necessarily; it means they've reached an agreement, but compromises might be involved.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Which term, "Approval" or "Accord," is more formal?

Both can be formal, but "Accord" often appears in more official or legal contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Is "Approval" only for formal settings?

No, it can be in informal contexts, like seeking friends' approval on a choice.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023

Can "Accord" mean giving someone respect?

Yes, as a verb, "accord" can mean granting someone respect.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Can "Accord" be a treaty between nations?

Yes, nations often sign "Accords" as formal agreements or treaties.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Does "Approval" always require explicit communication?

Not always; sometimes "Approval" can be inferred from context.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023

Is seeking "Approval" always hierarchical?

Often it is, especially in contexts like workplaces, but not always, such as seeking peer approval.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Can "Accord" function as a verb?

Yes, as in "I accord you this honor."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023

Can nations be in "Accord" on an issue without a formal agreement?

Yes, they can be in harmony or agreement on a stance without an official document.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Is "Approval" a binary concept (either you approve or you don't)?

Generally, yes, but there can be degrees of approval based on context.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

In what contexts might you find "Accord" used?

Legal, diplomatic, and situations where mutual agreement is emphasized.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023

Which word might relate more to personal feelings: "Approval" or "Accord"?

"Approval" often has a more personal, subjective dimension.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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